Method Of Age Determination Research Articles

Age determination of the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) using the pulp cavity–tooth width ratio

Abstract The aim of this study was to ascertain the suitability of an age determination method which uses the ratio between the width of the pulp cavity and the width of the tooth itself. The measurements were obtained from X-ray pictures of individual teeth using an intraoral sensor. We found that with age, the ratio decreased, and that this change was more prominent in the maxillary canines (104 and 204) than the mandibular (304 and 404). The Arctic fox heads used in this study were sourced from a private fur farm from Poland, and were deep-frozen until the research began. The results suggest that the method we used is reliable for determining the age of an individual, however, it can be inaccurate due to the fact it doesn’t consider three-dimensional changes occurring in the dental cavity and the shape of the tooth. On the other hand, this method is far more accessible and simpler than, for example, one utilising three-dimensional imaging, since most veterinary practices are equipped with basic X-ray equipment.

Bone Age Determination of Epiphyseal Fusion at Knee Joint and Its Correlation with Chronological Age.

Background and Objectives: Bone age determination is a valuable method for forensic and disaster identifications of unknown human remains, as well as for medical and surgical procedural purposes. This retrospective research study aimed to determine the age based on epiphyseal fusion stages and investigate differences related to gender. Materials and Methods: X-rays of the knee were collected from medical imaging centers in hospitals in the south of Jordan and examined by two observers who determined the bone epiphyseal phase of closure for the femur, tibia, and fibula bone ends close to the knee based on a three-stage classification. Results: The main results revealed that females showed earlier epiphyseal union (Stage II) at the lower end of the femur and the upper ends of the tibia and fibula compared to males. In males, the start of complete union (Stage III) at knee bones was seen at the age of 17-18 years, while in females, it was seen at the age of 16-17 years. Additionally, knee bones showed complete union in 100% of males and females in the age groups 21-22 years and 20-21 years, respectively. Although females showed an earlier start and end of epiphyseal complete union than males, analysis of collected data showed no significant age differences between males and females at the three stages of epiphyseal union of the knee bones. Conclusions: Findings of the radiographic analysis of bone epiphyseal fusion at the knee joint are a helpful method for chronological age determination. This study supports the gender and ethnicity variation among different geographical locations. Studies with a high sample number would be needed to validate our findings.

Evaluation of The Relationship Between Dental and Cervical Vertebrae Maturation in Terms of Age Determination

Aim: Age determination is a very important issue in anthropology, forensic science, and dentistry. Today, the most commonly used methods for age determination are the methods in which tooth and bone development are evaluated. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gender, chronological age, dental maturation, and cervical vertebral maturation in individuals aged 8-25 years. Material and Method: Digital panoramic, lateral cephalometric radiographs of 500 patients aged 8-25 years were used in this study. Cervical vertebra maturation was evaluated using the dental maturation-modified Demirjian classification system of Baccetti et al. Means, minimum, maximum, and standard deviations were calculated and analyzed as descriptive statistics. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kappa, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, Linear Regression, and Spearman Correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between chronological age and dental maturation and cervical vertebral maturation levels (p <0.01). While dental maturation levels did not differ significantly according to gender (p> 0.05), cervical vertebra maturation was statistically different (p <0.01). There was a positive correlation between chronological age and dental maturation, and cervical vertebral maturation levels (p <0.01). There was a strong correlation between dental maturation and cervical vertebral maturation levels (p <0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that skeletal maturity increased with the increase in chronological and dental age for both genders. The earlier formation was consistently observed for each stage of skeletal maturation in females. All correlations between skeletal and dental maturations were statistically significant.

Walleye (Sander vitreus, Mitchill 1818) age and sex classification using innovative supervised and unsupervised machine learning and soft computing methodologies

Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a freshwater perciform native to Northern America and Canada with high commercial value. Stocking programs for the species are unable to supply the significant demand, creating stock management problems and an ecosystemic decline. For sustainable fisheries, the age and sex estimation are fundamental to marine stock management. Biological methods for age determination and sex estimation were used in the past, conventional observations and techniques are substituted with machine learning methods, currently underused. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of an ensemble of Machine Learning (ML) methods for age and sex classification of walleye. Based on the performance of the ensemble models, appropriate evaluation decides on the age criterion with near optimal performance using supervised and unsupervised ML algorithms on the given fish datasets. The innovation of this work lies in the fact that the species age or sex estimation is based on a paramount involvement of models that diminish the proprietary idiosyncrasies of individual methods on specific datasets. For the same models two approaches were used: applied model algorithms developed both in R and Python (Orange Rapid Application Development environment) programming language provided high accuracy percentages. Among all methodologies, the Decision Tree method provided the best classification, for age estimation with 96% and 98% accuracy using the R and Orange models respectively. For the sex classification, Random Forest performed the best using the R-model with 94% accuracy, outperformed by the AdaBoost model in Orange with 97.6% accuracy. When compared, the models which were developed in Python generally performed better than the corresponding R-models both in age and sex classification. Overall, the proposed ML approach is emphasized as a rapid economic solution to standard fish classification with high accuracy, and thus could be integrated in stock assessment for a more sustainable aquaculture management.

Alizarin Red S Marking in Otoliths: A Study on the Growth Dynamics of Diplodus vulgaris Juveniles

This study investigates the age and growth rates of juvenile Diplodus vulgaris in the Çanakkale Strait, utilizing Alizarin Red S (ARS) marking to analyze otoliths for daily growth increments. The research aimed to validate the daily deposition of growth rings in otoliths as a reliable method for age determination in young fish. A total of 65 specimens were subjected to ARS immersion at varying concentrations to identify the optimal marking conditions that would not adversely affect the survival rates of the juveniles. Post-treatment, the fish were released into controlled environments and monitored over a period to assess the incorporation and visibility of ARS marks in the otoliths. The results demonstrated a clear correlation between fish size and age, with a consistent daily growth rate that supports the hypothesis of daily increment formation in otoliths. The mortality rate associated with ARS treatment was within acceptable limits, confirming the method's viability for non-lethal age and growth studies. This research not only underscores the effectiveness of ARS marking in studying juvenile fish growth patterns but also contributes to a better understanding of the life history of D. vulgaris in the Çanakkale Strait, offering valuable insights for fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Efficacy of the methods of age determination using artificial intelligence in panoramic radiographs - a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the literature to determine whether the methods of artificial intelligence are effective in determining age in panoramic radiographs. Searches without language and year limits were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Hand searches were also performed, and unpublished manuscripts were searched in specialized journals. Thirty-six articles were included in the analysis. Significant differences in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute error were found between manual methods and artificial intelligence techniques, favoring the use of artificial intelligence (p < 0.00001). Few articles compared deep learning methods with machine learning models or manual models. Although there are advantages of machine learning in data processing and deep learning in data collection and analysis, non-comparable data was a limitation of this study. More information is needed on the comparison of these techniques, with particular emphasis on time as a variable.

Bomb radiocarbon determines absolute age of adult fin whales, and validates use of earplug growth bands for age determination

Baleen whales are one of the few vertebrate taxa for which there are no confirmed estimates of longevity or methods of age determination. Lamina counts in the waxy earplug are assumed to represent age, but ageing accuracy is completely unknown. In this study, bomb radiocarbon assays of the earplug growth sequence in three adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were used to prepare the most complete within-individual bomb radiocarbon chronologies yet reported for any vertebrate. The whale radiocarbon chronologies matched those of known-age carbonate reference chronologies very well, indicating that the earplug laminae were both metabolically stable and formed throughout the life of the whale. Earplug lamina counts accurately represented absolute ages of 65-85 yr to within 6% of the correct age. Detection of a significant declining trend in δ13C with year of lamina formation within individual whales was consistent with that of the Suess effect, again underlining the metabolic stability of the earplug laminae. Given our results, recent applications of earplug laminae for reconstructing diet and life history events appear to be firmly based, with the potential for further elemental and isotopic applications analogous to those of the otolith.

Assessment of Applicability of Gleurich and Pyle (GP) Method for Determination of Age of Children in 14-18 Years Age-Group at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur

Background, Aim and Objective: Age estimation is also one of the important factors to establish individual’sidentity and radiological investigations play a phenomenal role in estimation of age in conjunction with clinical examination. The aim of this study to assess the applicability of Greulich and Pyle (GP) method for determination of age in 14-18 years of age group healthy population of Jaipur region. And objective is to assess the skeletal age determined by GP method using hand radiography of study population.Method: This study was carried out on total 80 subjects at the Department of Forensic Medicine in association with the Department of Radiology after obtaining due permission and approval from the RRB and IEC of SMS Medical College, Jaipur during the period from 1st July, 2020 to 31st August, 2021 of subjects between 14-18 years of age. All subjects recruited from each age sub-group category viz 14-15 years (Group A), 15-16 years (Group B), 16-17 years (Group C) and 17-18 years (Group D) including equal number of members from both sexes (10 males and 10 females of each age sub group category). After obtaining valid informed consent for age estimation all details,general physical &amp; dental examination was done and recorded in proposed Pro forma. The skeletal age (bone age) was determined using Greulich and Pyle Atlas (2nd edition, 1959)15. X-ray image on computer was comparedwith images on GP Atlas according to sex and most matching image to assess the skeletal age. Images wereseparated in two groups according to their sex and examined by both observers at different occasions to determine skeletal age of subjects and result derived.Result: Among all (n=80), of 81.2% Hindus (34 males and 31 females), 12.5% Muslims (4 males and 6 females) and 6.25% Jains (2 males and 3 females). Correlation of estimated skeletal age by GP method to the chronological age in both females and males showed a strong positive correlation. {r value=0.987 (females) &amp; 0.974 (males)} and for both p&lt;0.001 which indicates that the correlation of estimated skeletal age and chronological age was statistically significant.Conclusion: Study reveals skeletal age lagged behind chronological age in all age subgroups in both boys and girls but the difference of CA and SA is less in girls as compared to boys. The G-P atlas method, although very old but used with caution can yield good results for assessment of bone age in Indian boys and girls, better for girls. Delay in skeletal maturation was observed in both males and females, but the females in the sample matured earlier then the males. Thus, G-P atlas method seems applicable on Indian children. However, studies on larger sample sizes considering other factors may yield better insight into its forensic application.

A New Simple Method for Age Determination of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)

Age determination of marine mammals is important for understanding the impact of anthropogenic disturbances as well as for population management. Toothed whales are usually age-determined by counting annually formed layers in their teeth. This includes a time-consuming sequence of preparations, usually involving chemical treatment. This study tested a quicker and simpler method for age determination of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), originally developed for age determination of foxes and other terrestrial carnivores. The tooth was ground with fine-grained sandpaper, and the age lines were directly read using a binocular microscope. To evaluate the usability of the grinding method for harbour porpoises, three tests were used: (1) the number of growth layer groups (GLGs) in teeth from 66 harbour porpoises by the grinding method were compared by two readers; (2) GLGs in teeth from six harbour porpoises prepared by the grinding method and by the decalcification method were compared in a blinded set-up with two readers; and (3) the GLGs in teeth from two individuals with known ages prepared by both the grinding method and the decalcification method, respectively, were compared. A Bland–Altman plot showed high agreement between the determined age of individuals by the two different methods. The average age difference was -0.56 years, and the 95% confidence interval for the average difference was [-4.3, 3.2] years. The grinding method is therefore considered to be a valid alternative and quicker method for age determination of harbour porpoises.

Validation of method for estimation age of majority by the third molar maturity index on the sample of Ufa population

To test diagnostic accuracy of majority age assessment method by 3rd molar (Cameriere index) in the Ufa sample. The number of orthopantomograms equal 120 from males and females aged from 14 to 23 years without apparent pathological changes of the pulp of teeth 38 and 48 was examined. The measures were conducted using the standard R. Cameriere method. The method of logistic regression, determination of predictive values of sensitivity and specificity were used. The Im3 cut-off point, that was equal 0.08, had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 95% in the male sample, accuracy of age group determination was 93%. In the female sample the method sensitivity was 93%, specificity - 97%, accuracy - 97%. The study results confirmed the absence of population variability of the Cameriere index value, that makes it possible to use the majority age determination method by 3rd molar for practical application in the examination of a living person at the territory of the Russian Federation.

Stratigraphy of Late Mid‐Pleistocene in Lithuania: the current status and issues

The principal aim of this paper is to present a critical overview of the stratigraphical subdivision and correlation of the Late Mid‐Pleistocene (LMP) sediments in Lithuania. In recent decades, a number of studies of LMP sediments have been carried out, allowing clarification of the stratigraphical position of individual sedimentary sections. Particular efforts have been made to determine the age of sediments using a variety of absolute age determination methods. However, there are still several outstanding questions. It is still unclear how many warm periods occurred during the Saalian in Lithuania and of what magnitude. The least problematic issue is identification of the Butėnai (Holsteinian) Interglacial as it correlates well biostratigraphically with the contemporaneous sections of adjacent areas. The most controversial unit is the Snaigupėlė Interglacial, the age of which continues to be a subject of debate. Recently, more evidence has emerged that the sediments considered to be of the Snaigupėlė Interglacial are contemporaneous with the Merkinė (Eemian) Interglacial. The chronological placement of these sediments closely hinges on the unresolved stratigraphical classification of the Medininkai deposits (MIS 6 or MIS 8?) and the Žemaitija tills (MIS 8 or MIS 10?). The debate is centred on whether these two tills were formed during two entirely different glaciations or represent different phases of a single major glaciation event. Traditionally, these two tills were attributed to distinct glaciation events separated by the Snaigupėlė Interglacial. However, no sedimentary sections have been discovered that contain both these tills and the interglacial sediments that separate them. Given the similar lithological, geochemical and petrographic composition of the Medininkai and Žemaitija tills some research has supported their possible stadial rank. The clarification of these stratigraphical issues in the future may be facilitated by the application of new proxies and re‐examination of the existing LMP key sections.

FishAgePredictioNet: A multi-stage fish age prediction framework based on segmentation, deep convolution network, and Gaussian process regression with otolith images

Fish ageing is a vital component of fisheries management as it enables the evaluation of fish population status and supports the development of sustainable management strategies. However, traditional methods of age determination through otolith analysis by experts are resource-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, there is a growing demand for more cost-effective and automated techniques to accurately determine fish age. In accordance with this purpose, we proposed a multistage framework for fish age prediction using otolith images. First, otoliths in the images were detected using the Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (RCNN) model, which includes 8 convolution layers, and the detected otoliths were clipped. Subsequently, using a pre-trained neural network based on the transfer learning approach, deep features were extracted separately from the right and left otolith images, and all the obtained features were combined. Finally, these combined features are given as input to the Gaussian process regression model. To evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture, 4109 images of right and left otoliths belonging to Greenland halibut (flatfish, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) were used. The proposed architecture produced 1.83 MSE, 0.98 R-squared, 1.35 RMSE, and 10.29 MAPE scores in the experimental studies. As a result, the proposed model achieved superior performance compared with previous studies. Our findings show that our FishAgePredictioNet system could help experts predict fish age based on otolith images.

YENİ NESİL DENTAL YAŞ TAYİNİ YÖNTEMLERİNE GÜNCEL BİR BAKIŞ: BİR DERLEME

In forensic odontology, dental findings play a significant role in determining age and gender. Due to their anatomical structures and durability, teeth have a critical function in identification, even when exposed to mechanical, chemical, and physical effects. However, most of the estimated dental age determination methods are generally invasive, costly, and require procedures like tooth extraction. Additionally, misinterpretations can occur in 2-dimensional imaging due to distortions and magnifications. Recently, three-dimensional imaging technologies, especially Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Computed Tomography (CT), and micro-CT, are being used to investigate the potential relationship between the volumetric data of the tooth and pulp and age. CBCT allows researchers to comprehensively evaluate pulp changes and explain the relationship between chronological age and pulp volume. With the 3D images obtained by CBCT, the volumetric measurements of the tooth and pulp can be objectively evaluated and can be used as a criterion for estimated dental age. This review aims to identify, investigate, and summarize the most reliable, practical, and accurate methods for age estimation based on current data and methods.

Determination of rice leaf midrib deflection in field environment by using semantic segmentation and shortest distance algorithm

In order to automatically and accurately determine rice leaf age in a complex field environment, a method for determining rice leaf vein deflection is proposed. The method is based on semantic segmentation and a shortest distance algorithm. First, a semantic segmentation model named RLNet is constructed to segment leaf structure curved regions (LSCR). These regions are then clustered and merged using a coordinate-based algorithm, and leaf structure curved lines (LSCL) are fitted by regions. Finally, the shortest distance algorithm is used to determine the deflection of the middle leaf structure curved line, from which the rice leaf age is obtained. Unlike commonly used methods for rice leaf age determination, the proposed method does not require complex manual assistance and harsh experimental conditions, it only requires photography of rice leaves in a field environment. To evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of the method, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Extension Center of the Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. The method segmented LSCR with an accuracy of 84.71% and determined the rice leaf midrib deflection with an accuracy of 95%. Experimental results showed that the proposed method could determine rice leaf age automatically and accurately in a field environment and thereby reduce dependence on professionals.

Age estimation in the combined long bones and ribs by histomorphometry: Past, present, and future.

Numerous age estimation methods in unidentified bone have been a long time developing for application in forensic anthropology. The histomorphometric technique is one of the alternative methods that relied upon the evaluation of the cortical bone microstructure over the lifespan as a result of the remodeling process in bone. Remodeling is a sophisticated event occurring from the coupled function of bone formation and resorption cells for maintaining mineral homeostasis and repairment of microdamage in bone tissue. Products derived from remodeling are primary changes in the osteon or haversian system in various regions in the cortical bone, including periosteum, endosteum, and trabecular bone. Throughout life, bone remodeling rate with osteon alteration can be predictable. In the forensic field, histological methods are getting more attention due to the unavailability of macroscopic methods. Histomorphometry approach can be accomplished in fragmentary or incomplete bone remains indicating the limited use of gross morphological methods. In addition, the microscopic methods can aid to increase the more accuracy of analyses and diminish the biased subjective assessment for determining age. Most histomorphometry method utilizes a cross-section of the midshaft of the long bones including the mandible, rib, and clavicle. This review provides the basic knowledge of bone biology and anatomy, several age-estimating methods of histology, and crucial factors for age methods. Studies regarding overall age determination methods from the past until now contribute to obtaining more benefits for developing methods of histomorphometry using human bone in forensic identification.

Prediction of the age of abalones based on machine learning algorithms

Abalone is an important seafood, widely used in food, medicine, and other fields. The age of abalone is one of the important factors that determine its quality and market value. However, the traditional age determination method requires the dissection of abalone, which is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it is important to find a fast and work out age prediction method. This article uses a machine learning algorithm to predict the age of abalone. The authors collected data on characteristics such as sex, length, diameter, height, and weight for 4177 abalone observations. This data set is admirably large. In the following study, the authors compare the effects of prediction using different machine learning algorithms, including linear regression, decision trees, random forests, and support vector machines. It is worth mentioning that the authors have done sufficient research and evaluation of these algorithms to find out the best prediction scheme. The results show that the random forest algorithm is the best, and its average absolute error is only 1.44 years. The performance of random forest algorithm is the best.

Interdisiplinary and intraobserver reliability of the Greulich-Pyle method among Turkish children.

Greulich-Pyle (GP) is one of the most used method for bone age determination (BAD) in various orthopedic, pediatric, radiological, and forensic situations. We aimed to investigate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the GP method between the most relevant disciplines and its applicability to the Turkish population. One-hundred and eighty (90 boys, 90 girls) patients with a chronological age younger than 18 (mean9.33) were included. X-rays mixed by the blinded investigator were evaluated by two orthopedists, two radiologists, and two pediatric endocrinologists to determine skeletal age according to the GP atlas. A month later the process was repeated. As a statistical method, Paired t-test was used for comparison, an Intraclass Correlation Coefficients test was used for reliability and a 95 % confidence interval was determined. Results were classified according to Landis-Koch. All results were consistent with chronological age (p<0.001), according to the investigators' evaluations compared with chronological age. At the initial evaluation, the interobserver reliability of the method was 0.999 (excellent); at the second evaluation, the interobserver reliability was 0.997 (excellent). The intra-observer reliability of the method was 'excellent' in all observers. When results were separately evaluated by gender, excellent intraobserver correlation and excellent correlation with chronological age were found among all researchers (>0.9). When X-rays were divided into three groups based on age ranges and evaluated, 'moderate' and 'good' correlations with chronological age were obtained during the peripubertal period. The GP method used in skeletal age determination has excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability. During the peripubertal period, potential discrepancies in bone age assessments should be kept in mind. This method can be used safely and reproducibly by the relevant specialists.

Validation of central peak height method for final adult height predictions on long leg radiographs.

Accurate skeletal age and final adult height prediction methods in paediatric orthopaedics are crucial for determining optimal timing of growth-guiding interventions and minimizing complications in treatments of various conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of final adult height predictions using the central peak height (CPH) method with long leg X-rays and four different multiplier tables. This study included 31 patients who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for varus or valgus deformity of the leg between 2014 and 2020. The skeletal age at surgical intervention was evaluated using the CPH method with long leg radiographs. The true final adult height (FHTRUE) was determined when the growth plates were closed. The final height prediction accuracy of four different multiplier tables (1. Bayley and Pinneau; 2. Paley et al; 3. Sanders - Greulich and Pyle (SGP); and 4. Sanders - peak height velocity (PHV)) was then compared using either skeletal age or chronological age. All final adult height predictions overestimated the FHTRUE, with the SGP multiplier table having the lowest overestimation and lowest absolute deviation when using both chronological age and skeletal age. There were no significant differences in final height prediction accuracy between using skeletal age and chronological age with PHV (p = 0.652) or SGP multiplier tables (p = 0.969). Adult height predictions with chronological age and SGP (r = 0.769; p ≤ 0.001), as well as chronological age and PHV (r = 0.822; p ≤ 0.001), showed higher correlations with FHTRUE than predictions with skeletal age and SGP (r = 0.657; p ≤ 0.001) or skeletal age and PHV (r = 0.707; p ≤ 0.001). There was no significant improvement in adult height prediction accuracy when using the CPH method compared to chronological age alone. The study concludes that there is no advantage in routinely using the CPH method for skeletal age determination over the simple use of chronological age. The findings highlight the need for more accurate methods to predict final adult height in contemporary patient populations.

Slopes of Lunar Crater Size‐Frequency Distributions at Copernican‐Aged Craters

AbstractCraters on the lunar surface can provide valuable information about the timing and sequence of surface‐forming processes on the Moon. A commonly used method for age determination is the analysis of the crater size‐frequency distribution (CSFD) to which a production function (PF) is fitted that represents the size‐frequency distribution of the impactors. However, the commonly used PF of Neukum (1983) is valid for crater diameters between 10 m and 300 km. Neukum et al. (2001, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1035-0_3) revised the PF for crater diameters of 100 m–200 km. However, it is suggested to also be valid for the diameter range of 10 m–300 km as well. To assess whether we can extend a PF to craters ≤10 m in diameter, we investigated the slopes of the CSFDs of small craters formed on ejecta of young Copernican‐aged craters Giordano Bruno, Moore F, North Ray, and South Ray. A PF for smaller diameters would allow dating of young geological units, which are typically small, and would reduce the statistical error in age determinations, since smaller craters are more abundant. However, small craters are strongly influenced by geological factors, such as target properties, crater degradation, and secondary craters. For craters between 10 and 20 m we obtain a steeper CSFD slope than Neukum's proposed −3 slope (cumulative), whereas for craters ≤10 m the slope is about −3. We conclude that the PF of Neukum (1983) provides a reasonable CSFD slope for smaller craters, although it was not developed for this crater diameter range.

Discrimination of human and animal bloodstains using hyperspectral imaging

Blood is the most encountered type of biological evidence in violent crimes and contains pertinent information to a forensic investigation. The false presumption that blood encountered at a crime scene is human may not be realised until after costly and sample-consuming tests are performed. To address the question of blood origin, the novel application of visible-near infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is used for the detection and discrimination of human and animal bloodstains. The HSI system used is a portable, non-contact, non-destructive method for the determination of blood origin. A support vector machine (SVM) binary classifier was trained for the discrimination of bloodstains of human (n = 20) and five animal species: pig (n = 20), mouse (n = 16), rat (n = 5), rabbit (n = 5), and cow (n = 20). On an independent test set, the SVM model achieved accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity values of 96, 97, 95, and 96%, respectively. Segmented images of bloodstains aged over a period of two months were produced, allowing for the clear visualisation of the discrimination of human and animal bloodstains. The inclusion of such a system in a forensic investigation workflow not only removes ambiguity surrounding blood origin, but can potentially be used in tandem with HSI bloodstain age determination methods for rapid on-scene forensic analysis.