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                            Library & Multimedia
 Recent Applications of Isotope Analysis to Forensic Anthropology
NCJ Number
              255752
Journal

*Forensic Sciences Research* Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: 2019 Pages: 29-44
Author(s)
          Eric J. Bartelink;
                        Lesley A. Chesson
Date Published

2019
Length
              16 pages
Annotation
              This article identifies and discusses the basic principles of isotope analysis and provides an overview of instrumentation, analytical standards, sample selection, and sample quality measures, concluding with case studies that reflect the diverse applications of isotope analysis to the medicolegal system.
Abstract
              Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology casework over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles (e.g. C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) as well as isotopic landscapes ("isoscapes") from multiple body tissues (e.g. teeth, bone, hair, and nails) to predict possible region-of-origin of unidentified human remains. Together, data from various isotope analyses provide additional lines of evidence for human identification, including a decedent's possible region-of-birth, long-term adult residence, recent travel history, and dietary choices. The overall view of this article is that isotope analysis is a flexible and powerful geolocation tool that can provide new investigative leads in cases of unidentified human remains. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2016-MU-BX-K110


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Report (Technical Assistance)
                                Issue Overview


  
  
        
  Award
        Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) FY17
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2019
    
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