Survival of sharp force trauma in burnt bones: effects of environmental factors

Date published

2022-11-23

Free to read from

Supervisor/s

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Department

Type

Article

ISSN

0937-9827

Format

Citation

Vachirawongsakorn V, Márquez Grant N, Painter J. (2023) Survival of sharp-force trauma in burnt bones: effects of environmental. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Volume 137, Issue 3, May 2023, pp. 809-823

Abstract

This study investigates how environmental variables, such as temperature and rainfall, affect previously induced cut marks on burnt bones. This research used non-serrated and serrated blade knives to inflict trauma on Sus scrofa ribs (n = 240). The bones were later burnt and left for 1 month in a taphonomic experimental facility. Qualitative and quantitative examinations were conducted using macroscopic and microscopic techniques to assess specific characteristics of the cut marks. Any changes to the dimension and morphology of the cut marks as well as their level of fragmentation were recorded.

This study has led to three important outcomes: (1) identification of pre-existing cut marks is possible in reconstructed burnt bone fragments; (2) cut marks from different types of knife blades showed dissimilar responses to heat and the environment; and (3) specific environmental variables affect burnt bone fragmentation. These results have implications for trauma analysis on burnt remains in forensic anthropology casework.

Description

Software Description

Software Language

Github

Keywords

taphonomy, sharp-force trauma, forensic anthropology, human remains, burnt bone, cut marks

DOI

Rights

Attribution 4.0 International

Relationships

Relationships

Supplements

Funder/s