Forensic identification using palatal scans in different ethnic groups

EaglePlex: Three STR multiplex panels optimized and validated for forensic identification and sex determination of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos ).

Forensic identification of post-chewed smokeless tobacco using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics approaches.

Background/Objectives: Calcaneal spurs are pathological bone formations at entheseal attachment sites with clinical implications but limited forensic anthropological applications. While entheseal changes have been proposed as age estimation markers in forensic contexts, empirical validation remains insufficient, particularly for Southeast Asian populations. This study evaluated calcaneal spur utility for forensic age estimation in Thai skeletal remains while establishing population-specific osteological reference data for forensic individuation. Materials and Methods: The 3516 dry calcanei from 1758 Northeastern Thai skeletons (1031 males, 727 females; age 22–106 years) were examined. Spurs were classified by anatomical location as dorsal (D-type), plantar (P-type), or combined plantar–dorsal (P–D type). The morphometric measurements were performed bilaterally. Age-associated patterns were analyzed across four age cohorts (≤40, 41–50, 51–60, ≥61 years), and Random Forest machine learning classification tested forensic age estimation capacity using 10-fold cross-validation. Results: Overall prevalence reached 67.63% with distinctive P–D type predominance. While age-stratified prevalence increased from 24.56% (≤40 years) to 74.77% (≥61 years), Random Forest modeling explicitly demonstrated overall classification accuracy of 62.5%. Compared between sexes, the maximum length of calcaneal spurs was significantly longer in males. Dimensional analyses revealed weak age correlations and substantial inter-individual morphological variation precluded reliable age prediction. Interestingly, the unique P–D type distribution pattern (77.5% among spur-bearing individuals) may serve as an auxiliary marker for Thai population affinity assessment in forensic contexts. Conclusions: This study established the first comprehensive Thai-specific osteological reference for calcaneal spurs, revealing distinctive plantar–dorsal type predominance valuable for forensic population affinity assessment and provided population-specific baseline data for forensic individuation.

Roller-type date stamps have become increasingly used in recent years within Chinese low-cost manufacturing and packaging sectors to mark production and expiration dates on food, pharmaceuticals, and other small consumer goods. These inexpensive devices are also employed in administrative and commercial documentation, such as contracts, invoices, and logistics records. Given their widespread use in production and documentation, roller-type stamp impressions are encountered in forensic casework involving document forgery, counterfeit labeling, and product traceability disputes. This study presents a quantitative framework for the brand identification of roller-type Chinese date stamps through morphological feature extraction and machine learning analysis. Sixteen commercial models were systematically evaluated under 36 simulated stamping conditions, yielding 17,280 impression samples. Seventeen morphological features were extracted from the fixed Chinese characters "" (year), "" (month), and "" (day) and refined through interval overlap rate (IOR) analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Four supervised classifiers-Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Naïve Bayes (NB)-were trained and validated to assess model robustness and discriminative ability. GBDT and RF demonstrated superior accuracies (96.76% and 95.66%) in laboratory tests and maintained strong field performance (89.06% and 90.88%). The results confirm that roller-type stamp impressions exhibit quantifiable, brand-specific morphological characteristics that can be reliably recognized using data-driven models. The proposed approach offers a rapid, non-destructive, and scientifically robust tool for forensic brand identification and evidential authentication.

This paper proposes a score-based likelihood ratio system for forensic identification of deepfake images, addressing challenges in digital media identification due to rapid deepfake development. Built on the FaceForensics + + dataset, the system prevents data leakage via video-level splits (training, validation, selection, calibration, and test sets). Among six candidate models, the Capsule detector demonstrates the most robust performance (AUC = 0.983). Score distributions of real and fake samples are modeled using kernel density estimation, with optimal bandwidths selected through a two-stage search (real: 0.004, fake: 0.003). Extreme LR values are bounded using the empirical lower and upper bounds method (- 2.3634 to 1.9933), and PAV calibration is applied to optimize the calibration performance of the LR system. On the FF + + test set, the system exhibits favorable performancewith forensic practice expectations: low misleading evidence rates (RMEP = 0.069, RMED = 0.092), good error control (EER = 0.0804), and reduced decision loss after calibration (the cost log-likelihood ratio from 0.2899 to 0.1625). Generalization tests on five unseen datasets (Celeb-DF-v1/v2, DFDCP_methodA/B, UADFV) yield AUCs between 0.621 and 0.783-highest on UADFV (0.783), stable on DFDCP, weaker on Celeb-DF. The results show that at the moment, the technique shows potential for forensic-oriented deepfake identification, but requires further validation across diverse real-world scenarios before practical forensic application.

Integrative metabolomics and machine learning reveal diagnostic biomarkers for gelsenicine intoxication.

Traditional forensic identification relies on DNA, fingerprints, and dental records, which may be unavailable in degraded remains. This study investigates palatal rugae as an alternative intraoral marker and evaluates a fully automated digital matching process with the hypothesis that it achieves superior accuracy compared with semi-automated methods. Palatal scans from 345 participants (11.2-73.2 years) were recorded using an Omnicam intraoral scanner. After segmentation and Poisson disk downsampling (10,000 points), a four-step matching process was applied: (1) data preparation, (2) rough alignment via Fast Point Feature Histograms (FPFH), (3) fine alignment using the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, and (4) distance-based similarity scoring. The algorithm was validated on 224 development scans and 111 unseen scans. Matching accuracy and sampling effects were analyzed. The automated system achieved 100% accuracy in identifying identical scans and rejecting non-matching pairs. Random rotation confirmed robustness to initial alignment. Downsampling analysis showed that 3,000 points suffice for perfect accuracy, reducing computational demand without loss of precision. Automated 3D alignment of palatal rugae enables highly accurate, reproducible, and objective identification. The method outperforms semi-automated approaches and could significantly accelerate forensic workflows in mass casualty events. Further validation with post-mortem and scanner-diverse datasets is required, but results support integrating digital palatal data into standardized forensic identification protocols. Automated 3D analysis of palatal rugae enables fast, reproducible and operator-independent identification from digital intraoral scans, supporting forensic workflows when conventional identifiers are unavailable.

Construction and validation of a rapid semen identification system based on SHERLOCK technology.

Usability of quantitative atlas measurements from computed tomography images for sex estimation: A machine learning approach.

CRISPR/Cas12a coupled with MIRA: A specific and rapid assay for human DNA in challenging forensic matrices.

A computationally efficient hybrid Kolmogorov-Arnold network for hyperspectral classification of signatory pen inks.

Cattle are frequently involved in civil disputes and offenses. Currently, the paternity testing of cattle is mainly done by analysis of dinucleotide STR (di-STR) or SNPs. However, the di-STR marker usually produces many stutter artifacts that affect the accurate genotyping, and the polymorphic level of SNPs is not high enough. To overcome these limitations, we developed and validated a novel integrated next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel for cattle. It comprises 33 reported di-STRs and 30 newly identified tetranucleotide STRs (tetra-STRs), the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, as well as cytochrome b (CYTB) and recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1). The results showed a high genotyping success rate (99.6% on average) and balanced amplification efficiency across most STR loci. In addition, the panel's average genotyping consistency rate reached 96.4% between blood and hair samples. The total discrimination power and cumulative probability of exclusion for duos of this panel were 1-1.8×10-13 and 1-1.7×10-8, respectively. Application in paternity testing caseworks demonstrates its applicability and reliability for resolving paternity disputes. Overall, this study provided a cattle profiling NGS panel with a substantial advancement over current capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based systems, offering superior accuracy, multiplex capability, and efficiency for forensic genetic testing in cattle.

Sex estimation represents a fundamental step in forensic identification protocols, traditionally relying on morphoscopic pelvic assessment. However, the increasing integration of machine learning approaches and population-specific validation requirements necessitate comprehensive evaluation of alternative methodologies. This study provides the first direct comparison of established morphoscopic methods (Phenice 1969, Bruzek 2002) against a multivariable long bone linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model in a sample of 333 documented individuals from the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. Metric data were preprocessed to address missing values through imputation prior to analysis. The morphoscopic methods achieved high accuracy rates (Phenice: 96.9%, Bruzek: 97.7%) but showed significant exclusion rates due to preservation limitations (32.4% and 2.4% respectively). The long bone LDA model demonstrated comparable performance with threshold-dependent accuracy ranging from 95.2% (0.50 threshold) to 98.1% (0.88 threshold), while maintaining universal applicability across all specimens. Crucially, disagreement analysis revealed method-specific error patterns with minimal overlap in misclassified individuals, supporting complementary rather than redundant diagnostic signals. These findings validate long bones as a reliable alternative for sex estimation in fragmentary remains while establishing population-specific accuracy benchmarks for contemporary Italian forensic applications. The threshold-adjustable probabilistic framework offers operational flexibility for balancing classification certainty against sample coverage requirements.

External ear morphometry is increasingly explored for forensic identification because ear dimensions show population variation and sexual dimorphism, requiring region-specific reference data. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 Central Indian adults (18-30 years) to assess external ear morphometry, morphology and sexual dimorphism and to explore relevance for identification purposes. Bilateral ear and lobular measurements were taken using a digital Vernier caliper and stature/weight was recorded using standard instruments. Males had significantly higher mean stature and weight than females. Ear length, ear width and lobule width were significantly greater in males on both sides, while ear index, lobule height and lobule index did not differ significantly by sex; oval ear shape predominated and Darwin’s tubercle showed a significant sex difference only on the right side.

Introduction Dorsal hand vein pattern represents a unique morphological feature of the human body which may serve as a biometric tool for forensic identification. Study Aim The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of dorsal hand vein patterns in a Slovak adult population, with respect to sex and laterality of the hand. Material and Methods This study provides a morphological analysis of dorsal hand vein patterns in a sample of 70 healthy adults from the Slovak population. Vein configurations were classified using the 1951 system developed by Suchý, distinguishing four main types: branched, double-branched, simple, and composite. Results The most frequent patterns were branched and double-branched, while the composite form was rare. No statistically significant differences were found between sexes or between hands, suggesting a high degree of bilateral and intersexual symmetry. A rare morphological subtype, labelled 2N4, appeared exclusively in females on the left hand, potentially reflecting sex-linked vascular variation. Conclusion The results support the hypothesis that dorsal venous architecture is largely determined by early developmental and genetic factors. Given the pattern stability and inter-individual variability, dorsal hand veins remain a promising biometric marker. Despite limitations related to imprinting technique and assessment subjectivity, the study offers a valuable anatomical reference for future biometric, forensic, or anthropological research.

To address the forensic diagnostic challenge of distinguishing Anaphylactic Sudden Death (ASD) from Sudden Death from Coronary Heart Disease (SD-CHD), this study established Ldlr-/- mouse models of Atherosclerosis (AS) and ovalbumin-induced Anaphylaxis (AP). LC-MS/MS-based serum proteomic analysis of Atherosclerosis (AS) and Anaphylaxis (AP) mice identified fibronectin 1 (FN1), platelet glycoprotein Ibα chain (GP1BA), and platelet factor 4 (PF4) as candidate biomarkers. These candidates were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a combined AS + AP mouse model and in post-mortem human cardiac and bronchiolar epithelial tissue. In mice, serum FN1, GP1BA, and PF4 levels were significantly elevated in the AS group, whereas only FN1 was markedly downregulated in AP mice. In human tissues, FN1, GP1BA, and PF4 were all upregulated in Sudden death from coronary heart disease (SD-CHD) myocardial samples, with FN1 showing the greatest increase. In airway epithelium, FN1 was upregulated in anaphylactic sudden death (ASD) and anaphylactic sudden death (ASD) with Coronary Atherosclerosis (ASD + CAS) groups, while GP1BA was downregulated. These results indicate that FN1 serves as a key differential mouse serum biomarker, while PF4 and GP1BA aid in Sudden death from coronary heart disease (SD-CHD) diagnosis. Collectively, this multimarker, multilevel framework provides a molecular diagnostic strategy for the forensic identification of complex sudden death.

Talker identification is a crucial auditory skill that underpins human social communication and forensic applications. However, real-world conditions pose several challenges-such as environmental noise, channel variability, language familiarity, and talker familiarity-that can undermine the accuracy of auditory identification. In light of the limitations and insights from previous studies, the present study employed auditory experiments to systematically examine the impact of these four adverse factors on talker identification. The study aimed to address two questions: (1) whether the independent and interactive effects among these factors are significant, and (2) whether lab-training can enhance talker identification accuracy. Using a voice line-up paradigm, this study conducted a perception experiment where speech stimuli were presented under four primary conditions: noise (No Noise vs. Noise), channel (High-quality vs. High-quality; Landline vs. Landline, High-quality vs. Landline), language (Mandarin, Reversed Mandarin, English, Reversed English), and speaker familiarity (assessed through listening tests and lab training). Auditory responses to the stimuli under these adverse conditions were collected from 53 listeners. The findings indicate that environmental noise and channel variability have significantly negative effects on talker identification, while intelligible speech yields superior performance under adverse conditions compared to unintelligible reversed speech. Furthermore, the study found that lab-training (i.e., increasing talker familiarity) could enhance talker identification accuracy under adverse conditions, although it does not improve accuracy under no noise and high-quality channel conditions. This paper systematically examines the interactive effects of multiple adverse factors on talker identification, thereby advancing our understanding of the auditory mechanisms underlying human social speech communication and providing important theoretical support for auditory examination techniques in forensic speaker identification.

Background/Objectives: The Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco, located at the interface between Arab and Amazigh cultural zones, has only recently been investigated using autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers. The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity and forensic efficiency of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Casablanca-Settat population and to evaluate its genetic relationships with other Moroccan populations. Methods: Fifteen autosomal STR loci were genotyped in 138 unrelated Arabic-speaking individuals from the Casablanca-Settat region. Allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and standard forensic parameters were calculated. The genetic structure of the population was further examined through comparative analyses with 12 previously published Moroccan reference populations using multivariate and phylogenetic approaches. Results: A total of 146 distinct alleles were identified across the 15 loci. D18S51 was the most polymorphic marker (Ho = 0.9203), whereas D3S1358, TPOX, D5S818, and D16S539 exhibited lower allelic diversity. No statistically significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was detected after correction for multiple testing. The combined power of discrimination exceeded 0.99, and the combined power of exclusion reached 0.99999965, demonstrating the high forensic efficiency of the STR panel. Population structure analyses positioned the Casablanca-Settat population within an intermediate genetic cluster, closely related to central Moroccan populations, consistent with historical gene flow and admixture. Conclusions: This study provides robust autosomal STR reference data for the Casablanca-Settat population, confirming the suitability of these markers for forensic identification in Morocco and offering valuable insights into regional population structure and genetic diversity.

Background: A phobia is an excessive, irrational, and persistent fear of something that makes it difficult for someone to carry out certain activities. Psychological disorders, such as a phobia of blood and injections, indicate the need for forensic identification methods that do not require blood samples. Blood type identification plays an important role in forensic cases, especially in matching the blood type of the evidence of victims or perpetrators. Objective: To analyze the accuracy of saliva as a noninvasive method for determining blood type in students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Baiturrahmah University, class of 2021. Method: This was a quantitative observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The study population comprised 80 students selected using a simple random sampling technique. Saliva samples were analyzed using the absorption inhibition method and compared with available blood type data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and Fisher's exact test was performed as an alternative to the chi-square test. Results: Blood types A, B, and AB have 100% compatibility in secretor individuals, while blood type O has 0% compatibility because there are no antigens A and B in the saliva. Statistical tests showed a significant level of accuracy between blood type examination through saliva and blood type in the data (p=0.000). Conclusion: Overall, saliva blood type examination has the same level of accuracy as the conventional method.