Murray K. Marks

William M. Bass and the Development of Forensic Anthropology in Tennessee

Twenty-two years of human identification cases have been analyzed with respect to the development of a forensic anthropology curriculum at the University of Tennessee under William M. Bass. Relationships forged with the State Medical Examiner and lecture programs for national, state and local law enforcement agencies and arson investigators have provided the necessary exposure that ensured the growth of Dr. Basss caseload and program. Postmortem indicators for assessing time-since-death have been Basss target research domain. The development of a donated body program with curation of those skeletons promises to keep his research perspective fueled. Finally, the formal establishment of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee ensures the continued academic commitment to forensic anthropology.

Digital video image capture in establishing positive identification.

Positive identification of skeletonized, decomposed, or disfigured victims lacking clinical records is a difficult endeavor. However, videotapes of family and social activities can be analyzed using the frame isolating technique of video image capture by inexpensive means. A rare skeletal Class III malocclusion and dental peculiarities in a decomposing 3-year old lacking a clinical history were compared to videotapes taken of a suspected victim shortly prior to her disappearance. Overlaying transparent dental tracings from digitized skeletal remains onto selected frames of the videotape (and reversing this process) produced the identification and hastened the entire investigation.

Forensic Odontology Related Specialties

Abstract The two forensic disciplines that most often interact with forensic odontology are forensic anthropology and DNA analysis. Although forensic anthropologic analyses seldom lead to a direct identification, it often helps to narrow the search field, which may indirectly lead to an identification. In addition, many anthropologic analyses involve the craniofacial complex, which may often produce information that is relevant to a dental identification. DNA analysis is often interrelated with forensic odontology investigations. Although dental identification is relatively inexpensive, it relies on antemortem dental records for comparative purposes. However, if dental remains are badly fragmented, burned, or incinerated, a dental identification may not be possible. In these situations, DNA identification is often still possible, as long as a DNA profile can be extracted from the remains and reference samples can be obtained. In addition, if DNA is recovered from a human bitemark, it may be tested and compared with potential bite suspects. These DNA results can be compared with bitemark linkages and assist in either eliminating or corroborating possible suspects.

The effects of scanning electron microscopy desiccation preparation on demineralized dentin surfaces.

This study assessed the effect various scanning electron microscopy (SEM) desiccation preparation techniques have on a tufted collagen surface produced using an acid-burnished (rubbed) demineralization application technique. Citric acid- soaked cotton pellets (30%) were burnished on the dentin treatment region, rinsed in water, and then fixed. Four SEM desiccation preparation techniques were employed: (1) air-dried from glutaraldehyde; (2) air-dried from ethanol; (3) critical point dried from liquid carbon dioxide (control); or (4) air-dried from tetramethylsilane. Control specimens all displayed a characteristic tufted fibril surface. In all experimental groups, fibrils collapsed, forming an intact, undulating nondescript surface monolayer. All air-drying SEM desiccation preparation procedures appear to cause artifactual distortion of a tufted dentin collagen surface.

Species: Human Versus Nonhuman

Distinguishing human from nonhuman bone and from nonosseous material is a challenging task in forensic anthropology. This determination is important because ‘human’ confirmation dictates medicolegal significance. The aim here is to provide an introduction to the methods available to the forensic anthropologist for distinguishing human from nonhuman bone. There are complexities and limitations that determine whether a given method can be applied and these are discussed.

Human Dental Development, Morphology, and Pathology—A Tribute to Albert A. Dahlberg.

Edited by John R. Lukacs. 1998. Eugene: University of Oregon Anthropological Papers (Number 54). 447 pp. ISBN 0-87114-060-8.

Concordance of traditional osteometric and volume-rendered MSCT interlandmark cranial measurements

39.95 (paper).