Reconstructing the time since death using noninvasive thermometry and numerical analysis.

Science Advances
Leah S WilkMaurice C G Aalders

Abstract

The early postmortem interval (PMI), i.e., the time shortly after death, can aid in the temporal reconstruction of a suspected crime and therefore provides crucial information in forensic investigations. Currently, this information is often derived from an empirical model (Henssge's nomogram) describing posthumous body cooling under standard conditions. However, nonstandard conditions necessitate the use of subjective correction factors or preclude the use of Henssge's nomogram altogether. To address this, we developed a powerful method for early PMI reconstruction using skin thermometry in conjunction with a comprehensive thermodynamic finite-difference model, which we validated using deceased human bodies. PMIs reconstructed using this approach, on average, deviated no more than ±38 minutes from their corresponding true PMIs (which ranged from 5 to 50 hours), significantly improving on the ±3 to ±7 hours uncertainty of the gold standard. Together, these aspects render this approach a widely applicable, i.e., forensically relevant, method for thermometric early PMI reconstruction.

References

May 1, 1992·Forensic Science International : Synergy·L D NokesB H Knight
Sep 1, 1988·Forensic Science International : Synergy·C Henssge
Jan 1, 1988·Forensic Science International : Synergy·B Knight
Sep 1, 1973·Physics in Medicine and Biology·J Steketee
Jul 1, 1969·Medicine, Science, and the Law·T K Marshall
Feb 1, 1994·Forensic Science International : Synergy·S Jaafar, L D Nokes
Mar 31, 1999·Forensic Science International : Synergy·L Althaus, C Henssge
Apr 13, 1963·Lancet·W Q STURNER
Jun 9, 2004·European Journal of Applied Physiology·Emiel A den Hartog, Wouter A Lotens
Jun 27, 2006·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Claus Henssge, Burkhard Madea
May 13, 2009·Optics Express·Everton Sérgio EstracanholliVanderlei Salvador Bagnato
Apr 19, 2011·Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·Kalpana Reddy, Eve J Lowenstein
Apr 2, 2016·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Z M BurchamH R Jordan
Sep 7, 2016·Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·Ye-Hui LvLong Chen
Jan 18, 2018·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Michael HubigGita Mall
Aug 7, 2018·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Michael HubigGita Mall
Oct 16, 2018·Forensic Science International : Synergy·G J Edelman, M C Aalders
May 10, 2019·Metabolomics : Official Journal of the Metabolomic Society·Emanuela LocciErnesto d'Aloja

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Dec 30, 2020·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Marcel BovenschenBenno Hartung

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
dissection

Software Mentioned

MATLAB

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.