Forensic Science International[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Probabilistic searching of databases compared to binary CODIS eligibility: An improved methodology for maximizing investigative leads using short tandem repeat DNA profiles.
Sanchez CG, Coble MD, Taylor D … +1 more , Kalafut T
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42085868 · Publisher ↗
A DNA reference profile of a person of interest may not always be available for comparison to a questioned profile generated from an item submitted for examination. Reasons may include that no suspect(s) has been develop...
A DNA reference profile of a person of interest may not always be available for comparison to a questioned profile generated from an item submitted for examination. Reasons may include that no suspect(s) has been developed yet in the investigation. In these situations, searching the questioned profile against a DNA database may generate an investigative lead for further consideration. In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains the Combined DNA Index System, which allows for searching in cases where no suspect(s) has been identified. The highest level of CODIS contains over 20 million profiles in its database; however, it also has the most stringent criteria for searching. These criteria state that a DNA profile must have at least 8 of the original 13 core loci and a Moderate Match Estimate (MME) of 1 in 10 million or smaller. Many mixtures fail this MME threshold, limiting chances for generating investigative leads. This paper examined a probabilistic search strategy in an effort to improve database searches. DBLR™ is a software that can assign likelihood ratios (LRs) to profiles in a stored database of STRmix™ deconvolutions. DBLR™ can store databases larger than the current CODIS database and perform a probabilistic search of each database profile using all of the information in the questioned mixture. In this study, a total of 155 DNA mixtures derived from 81 unrelated individuals from eight laboratories were tested. These mixtures were made up of 2-4 contributors and varied in terms of mixture proportions, input DNA, PCR cycles and STR kits. Each of the 155 mixtures were previously deconvoluted in STRmix™ using the STRmix™ parameters of each lab to yield 765 STRmix™ deconvolutions with a total of 1220 slots available for searching. The deconvolution results were analyzed using a CODIS MME proxy tool to determine how many of the 1220 slots pass the 1 in 10,000,000 MME threshold and therefore would be eligible for upload to NDIS. The same deconvolutions were searched using DBLR™ against a database of 25,000,081 potential donors with an LR threshold of 10 million. The results show that 37.7% of deconvolutions pass the MME threshold and would be eligible for upload to NDIS at CODIS. DBLR™ returned LRs above the parallel threshold of LR= 10,000,000 for 83.4% of ground truth donors while returning 4 non-donor only "hits".
Multinational analysis and comparison of dental resin composites for forensic purposes.
Bosio D, Putzu MG, Di Vella G … +1 more , Nuzzolese E
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42085807 · Publisher ↗
The identification of human remains often relies on dental data, which remain stable under extreme postmortem conditions. Dental resin composites, in particular, can retain their microstructural and elemental characteris...
The identification of human remains often relies on dental data, which remain stable under extreme postmortem conditions. Dental resin composites, in particular, can retain their microstructural and elemental characteristics after thermal exposure or degradation, providing valuable adjunct information in forensic identification. This descriptive cross-sectional study presents the development of an ongoing multinational reference database of 50 dental resin composites collected from nine countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Each sample underwent morphological and elemental characterization using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Microstructural and compositional variability was observed across brands and countries; the database documents these differences through magnified imagery (2000 ×, 5000 ×, and 10,000 ×) and corresponding elemental spectra. Although geographical inference has inherent limitations due to global migration, displacement, dental tourism, and the international distribution of dental materials, resin composite analysis can contribute meaningfully to postmortem dental profiling, particularly where certain materials remain market- or region-specific. The database is designed as a practical comparison atlas for forensic odontologists, promoting systematic sampling and analysis of composite restorations during dental autopsies of unidentified human remains to support identification and assist in the preliminary reconstruction of geographic treatment history. The database is continuously updated and is available to forensic odontologists upon request. This research underscores the need for continued expansion, validation, and integration of resin-composite comparison databases into forensic odontology workflows.
Response to Letter to the Editor Regarding "A bibliometric analysis of investigative genetic genealogy in academic literature: Trends, networks, and emerging themes".
Stasi A, Pellegrino A
Forensic Sci Int Synerg · 2026 Jun · PMID 42078514 · Full text
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"Like a frog boiling in water": A qualitative analysis of stress, vicarious trauma, and mental health among forensic sciences professionals.
Ferrante DJ, Tyagi S, Seigfried-Spellar KC
Forensic Sci Int Synerg · 2026 Jun · PMID 42078513 · Full text
Forensic science professionals play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, but due to the nature of forensic science careers, exposure to traumatic material and occupational stressors remains common within the pr...
Forensic science professionals play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, but due to the nature of forensic science careers, exposure to traumatic material and occupational stressors remains common within the profession. The impacts of these aspects of the career field are not negligible, with prior research suggesting that forensic science professionals experience various forms of psychological distress, including but not limited to burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious trauma. The present study sought to analyze open-ended responses to survey questions from forensic science professionals ( = 223) to better understand their experiences of occupational stressors and mental health. Using a qualitative approach, the results highlight several insights into stress and mental health among forensic science professionals. First, sources of stress are not limited to occupational stressors, and stressors may compound on one another. Second, the impact of stress has negative psychological outcomes, at times leading to both positive and negative coping mechanisms. Said coping mechanisms reflect not only stressors and the psychological impact of work, but also barriers to help-seeking behaviors, as well as the role of stigma for forensic science professionals seeking mental health assistance. We conclude with discussions of policy implementations, drawing from the perspectives of respondents.
MatchY: A software implementation of pedigree-based calculation of Y-STR match probabilities.
Zandstra D, Ralf A, Caliebe A … +3 more , Nothnagel M, Krawczak M, Kayser M
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42070321 · Publisher ↗
Y-STRs are used in forensic genetics to investigate male trace material in cases where no useful autosomal STR profiles can be established. While non-matching suspects can be safely excluded from trace donorship this way...
Y-STRs are used in forensic genetics to investigate male trace material in cases where no useful autosomal STR profiles can be established. While non-matching suspects can be safely excluded from trace donorship this way, interpreting Y-STR haplotype matches is less straightforward. Equating the corresponding Y-STR match probabilities to haplotype frequencies estimated from population databases is not only common practice, but is also recommended by the International Society for Forensic Genetics. However, this approach ignores that population databases, in principle, cannot be representative of all plausible alternative suspects in each and every case. Therefore, we previously introduced a novel mathematical framework for calculating Y-STR match probabilities drawing upon the suspect's male pedigree, thereby obviating the use of haplotype frequency estimates from population databases for this purpose. Here, we present the implementation of this framework into a publicly available software tool, named MatchY. Expanding the original approach in various ways, the tool can handle any number of single or multi-copy Y-STRs with known mutation rates and allowing both one-step and two-step mutations. MatchY can calculate match probabilities for pedigrees of any size and complexity based upon the haplotype information of its typed members, while simulating haplotypes of untyped ones. In addition to considering all plausible trace donor candidates within the pedigree, the tool can also consider a hypothetical, most closely related candidate from outside the pedigree. The performance of MatchY has been tested using various marker sets and example pedigrees. Together, these features make MatchY a practical and formally correct tool for the interpretation of Y-STR matches by calculating Y-STR match probabilities based on the suspect's male pedigree.
Necrophagous fly occurrence and primary colonizing species in forensic entomology cases from the Yeongnam Region, South Korea.
Kang TM, Jung JB, Park KL … +6 more , Kwak NJ, Oh DG, Lee HJ, Lee KM, Ko KS, Park SH
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42068669 · Publisher ↗
Forensic entomology is widely used in death investigations to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). In South Korea, however, casework-based ecological data remain limited, particularly for indoor scenes. We es...
Forensic entomology is widely used in death investigations to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). In South Korea, however, casework-based ecological data remain limited, particularly for indoor scenes. We established a collaborative framework with investigating officers in the Yeongnam region (Gyeongsangbuk-do, Daegu, and Busan) and compiled forensic entomology cases from 2019 to 2022 to summarize the occurrence patterns of necrophagous flies. Scene information and specimens were collected using a standardized field record form, and species were identified by morphological examination and confirmed by COI DNA barcoding. Occurrence patterns were summarized by month, region, and scene type. The primary colonizing species was operationally defined as the species with the longest estimated developmental time in each case. Among the 73 cases analyzed, 66 (90.4%) were indoor and 7 (9.6%) were outdoor, yielding 17 identified species. Lucilia sericata was the most frequently detected species (n = 55, 75.3%) across most months, followed by Sarcophaga peregrina (n = 16, 21.9%), Chrysomya pinguis (n = 13, 17.8%), and Chrysomya megacephala (n = 13, 17.8%). Regarding primary colonizing species, L. sericata predominated in indoor cases (n = 41, 62.1%), whereas Calliphora calliphoroides (n = 3, 42.9%) and Calliphora nigribarbis (n = 2, 28.6%) were the most frequent in outdoor cases. Overall, the observed patterns were broadly consistent with previous Korean surveys. These findings provide a casework-based regional reference for mPMI interpretation in Korea.
Forensic discrimination of sediments retained in mining carpets using a multianalytical approach.
de Jesus Costa J, Lagoeiro L, Guedes CCF … +1 more , Salvador FADS
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42068668 · Publisher ↗
The intensification of illegal gold mining in Brazil has caused severe socio-environmental impacts, requiring mechanisms to trace the origin of illegally mined gold. Mining carpets used to concentrate free gold also reta...
The intensification of illegal gold mining in Brazil has caused severe socio-environmental impacts, requiring mechanisms to trace the origin of illegally mined gold. Mining carpets used to concentrate free gold also retain heavy minerals, whose analysis can provide provenance fingerprints and support forensic traceability within the gold supply chain. This study evaluated the forensic potential of sediments retained in carpets seized by the Brazilian Federal Police across different geological contexts. Ten samples from five illegal mining sites in the states of Pará (PA), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and Minas Gerais (MG) were analyzed. Following standardized sediment recovery procedures, a multi-analytical approach was applied, integrating grain-size analysis, XRD, XRF, heavy minerals and SEM-EDS-EBSD. Textural results indicate that sediment texture is influenced by the type of mining operation (regolith- or alluvial-based) and carpet structure. Compositional data analyzed by multivariate statistical (PCA) revealed well-defined clustering among groups, reflecting geological settings. Samples from PA exhibit mineral assemblages dominated by altered minerals and iron oxides, associated with the Carajás Domain. The RJ sample is enriched in resistant minerals typical of granitoids from the Ribeira Belt. In contrast, samples from MG exhibit more diverse mineral assemblages, reflecting combined contributions from mafic rocks of the São Francisco Craton and granitoids of the Ribeira Belt. These results suggest that sediments retained in mining carpets can be used to discriminate different geological provenances. The integration of mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical data represents a promising approach for forensic comparison and may contribute to improving gold traceability.
Matrix-dependent analytical strategies for the detection of drug-infused foods: A comprehensive review.
Woo H, Park JU, Han E
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42068667 · Publisher ↗
Drug-infused foods are increasingly encountered in forensic investigations, including drug-facilitated crimes (DFC), chemical submission cases, and the seizure of adulterated edible products. The heterogeneous physicoche...
Drug-infused foods are increasingly encountered in forensic investigations, including drug-facilitated crimes (DFC), chemical submission cases, and the seizure of adulterated edible products. The heterogeneous physicochemical characteristics of food matrices pose substantial analytical challenges for the reliable extraction, identification, and quantification of psychoactive substances in evidentiary samples. This review systematically examines twenty food matrices with high reported frequencies of drug infusion and evaluates matrix-dependent relationships among infused drug classes, extraction strategies, and chromatographic-mass spectrometric detection techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical considerations relevant to forensic casework, including matrix interferences, derivatization requirements, and method robustness across solid and liquid matrices. Solid matrices, predominantly associated with cannabinoids, frequently rely on QuEChERS-based extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based detection, whereas liquid matrices implicated in DFC cases often require liquid-liquid extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based methodologies for benzodiazepines, dissociatives, and opioids. Emerging technologies, including fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) and deep learning-assisted mass spectrometry for the identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), are discussed in the context of improving analytical reliability in complex evidentiary samples. By integrating matrix-specific analytical trends with forensic applicability, this review provides a comprehensive overview of current analytical approaches and highlights key considerations for the detection of drug-infused foods in forensic investigations.
The future is not the present: Responsible pathways for forensic epigenetics.
Palmour N, Huang J, Joly Y
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42068623 · Publisher ↗
Forensic epigenetics is emerging as a powerful extension of traditional forensic genetics, offering the capacity to infer age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures from epigenetic marks. Yet its promise is shadowed by...
Forensic epigenetics is emerging as a powerful extension of traditional forensic genetics, offering the capacity to infer age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures from epigenetic marks. Yet its promise is shadowed by significant ethical, legal, and social questions. This article analyzes the scientific foundations and practical applications of forensic epigenetic techniques while interrogating their implications for privacy, discrimination, and human rights. It argues that the promise of enhanced investigative capability must be balanced against risks of misuse, stigmatization, and function creep. Drawing on comparative perspectives in law and bioethics, the authors emphasize the importance of proportional governance frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability, and respect for persons. Suggestions are made for the responsible integration of epigenetic data in forensic contexts, if and when, it meets sufficiently rigorous standards.
Microbial decomposition in experimental single and mass graves: New insights on post-burial interval estimation.
Ogbanga N, Mickleburgh HL, Nelson A … +4 more , Smith D, Gocha TP, Wescott DJ, Procopio N
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42068622 · Publisher ↗
Soil microbiomes are increasingly recognized as valuable indicators in forensic investigations, but microbial dynamics in mass graves remain poorly understood. This study investigates differences in microbial succession...
Soil microbiomes are increasingly recognized as valuable indicators in forensic investigations, but microbial dynamics in mass graves remain poorly understood. This study investigates differences in microbial succession between individual graves (IG) and mass graves (MG) with human body donors and evaluates the potential of soil microbiome data to predict post-burial interval (PBI). Using ASV-level assessment, we analysed soil samples collected over time from both grave types in a controlled decomposition experiment. At the final timepoint (M18), MG and IG soils exhibited significantly different microbial compositions, with specific taxa, some associated with specific decomposition stages, enriched in each context. A regression model trained on IG samples predicted PBI with a mean error of 2.68 months when adjusted for seasonal variation but performed poorly on MG samples (RMSE = 7.12 months), highlighting ecological complexity and reduced generalisability. These findings underscore the importance of studying MG-specific microbial processes and caution against applying models developed from single-body burials to mass grave contexts. As mass graves are encountered in humanitarian and criminal investigations and establishing the duration of burial can be an important component of forensic reconstruction, our findings highlight the value of further research into context-specific microbiome models and their integration alongside existing methods for detection and time estimation in complex burial environments.
Assessing ethical standards in forensic population genetics: A systematic review of forensic science international: Genetics and forensic science international: Reports publications.
Serena A, Alessandra D, Elena C … +3 more , Alessia R, Paolo G, Carlo R
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42066512 · Publisher ↗
In forensic genetics, the allele and haplotype frequencies of relevant populations are required to determine the weight of evidence for DNA matches. In recent years, ethical concerns have been raised about population stu...
In forensic genetics, the allele and haplotype frequencies of relevant populations are required to determine the weight of evidence for DNA matches. In recent years, ethical concerns have been raised about population studies published in forensic journals and compiled in Forensic Genetics Frequency Databases (FGFDs), particularly regarding consent procedures for sample collection, the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups, and the risk of donor re-identification. A comprehensive review of ethical practices in forensic population genetics research on identity DNA polymorphisms and ancestry informative markers was conducted, focusing on papers published in Forensic Science International: Genetics and indexed in MEDLINE (2007-2025) and Forensic Science International: Reports (2019-2025). A decline in the number of published forensic population genetics papers was observed following the adoption of dedicated ethical guidelines in 2020. However, increased attention to ethical issues, such as the need for informed consent (IC) of sample donors and approval by pertinent ethical review boards (ERB), predates 2020, with a linear increase over time in the proportion of papers reporting IC and ERB approval. Among the included papers, 48.7% were conducted by or in collaboration with law enforcement laboratories, 39.1% involved minority populations, and 14.3% used forensic casework samples, all of which represent potential sources of ethical concern. In most studies conducted by multinational teams, researchers from the countries of the sampled populations were involved, with the notable exception of Africa, with 31.0% of studies having no African-affiliated authors. Furthermore, even after 2020, a substantial proportion of studies (11.8%) reported complete genotypes of DNA markers associated with a high risk of re-identification. The most common form of non-compliance with the 2020 ethical guidelines was the failure to report written informed consent (40.0%). Overall, the proportion of studies classified as ethically "low risk" according to the Forensic Database Advisory Board increased significantly after 2020, reaching 78.5% of the papers published in that period. Notably, during the preceding period (2010-2020), the proportion of low risk studies was significantly higher for DNA markers for which editorial guidelines required quality control by an FGFD (42.1%) than for other markers (30.3%). To support editors and peer reviewers, suggestions are proposed to improve ethical guidelines for the publication of forensic population genetics data, with particular attention to ERB approval documentation, secondary use of biological samples, and recognition of the role of researchers from the country of population samples collection in multinational studies.
Temporal dynamics and stability of the human microbiome for forensic individual identification.
Cha HE, Seo J, Cho HS … +3 more , Lee JW, Jeon AJ, Lim SK
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42066511 · Publisher ↗
The human microbiome is ubiquitous across nearly all body sites and exhibits biological characteristics that enable stable detection under diverse environmental conditions. Microbial DNA can be analyzed even when human D...
The human microbiome is ubiquitous across nearly all body sites and exhibits biological characteristics that enable stable detection under diverse environmental conditions. Microbial DNA can be analyzed even when human DNA is present in trace amounts or is severely degraded, supporting its potential as a complementary approach to conventional DNA-based identification. However, systematic validation of whether the microbiome simultaneously maintains individual specificity and long-term stability remains limited. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of the microbiome from the scalp, cheek, hand, and saliva of five healthy Korean participants over a period of up to three years. Intra-individual temporal stability and inter-individual variability were evaluated across multiple temporal scales, ranging from daily to annual intervals. Microbial community dynamics were assessed using relative abundance analysis, beta diversity metrics, and the theta-YC similarity index. Individual identification performance was evaluated for each sampling source using an XGBoost-based machine learning approach. Skin sites and saliva represented distinct ecological niches, with intra-individual similarity exceeding inter-individual similarity across sampling sites and temporal intervals. Although transient community shifts were observed in frequently exposed sites such as the scalp and hand under the four-season climate of the Republic of Korea, individual-specific microbial signatures were maintained over time. The XGBoost-based identification models achieved high accuracy, particularly for saliva (93.3%) and cheek (92.9%) samples. These findings support the potential of the skin and saliva microbiome as complementary tools for individual identification, particularly in forensic contexts where conventional human DNA analysis is limited.
Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and fetal death: A retrospective autopsy-based study.
Şahin HÇ, Buğra A, Yaman MF … +8 more , Kefçi MM, Koç Ü, Asan Ö, Kavla Y, Ulu E, Oruç MA, Özel A, Üzün İ
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42054826 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is an increasing public health concern with potentially severe consequences for fetal development and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, autopsy,...
BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is an increasing public health concern with potentially severe consequences for fetal development and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, autopsy, histopathological, and toxicological findings of fetal deaths with toxicologically confirmed postmortem methamphetamine detection. METHODS: This retrospective autopsy-based descriptive study included 28 fetal death cases referred from multiple regions across Türkiye and evaluated by the First Specialization Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine between 2020 and 2024. Cases were selected on the basis of methamphetamine detection in postmortem fetal blood together with forensic assessment of methamphetamine exposure/toxicity as a primary or contributory factor in death. Macroscopic autopsy findings were integrated with histopathological and toxicological analyses. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29.11 ± 5.44 weeks, and 53.6% of cases were female. The mean maternal age was 29.85 ± 4.58 years; 78.6% of mothers were primigravida, and 78.6% lacked regular prenatal care. In 60.7% of cases, fetal expulsion or discovery occurred in the home setting. Small for gestational age was identified in 57.1% of cases. Histopathological findings included placental infarction (10.7%), chorioamnionitis (17.9%), funisitis (3.6%), and perinatal pneumonia (14.3%). Median postmortem fetal blood methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations were 0.126 mg/L (IQR: 0.057-0.406) and 0.020 mg/L (IQR: 0.008-0.044), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fetal deaths with toxicologically confirmed postmortem methamphetamine detection highlight the serious clinical and medicolegal consequences of substance use during pregnancy. The high frequency of inadequate prenatal care and home-based fetal expulsion or discovery underscores important gaps in the early identification and referral of vulnerable pregnant women and supports the need for coordinated obstetric, psychiatric/addiction, forensic, and social support pathways.
Validating the AFA3D forensic method using live CT data: A multiregional comparison of approximated and original faces.
Thottungal RR, Guyomarc'h P, Dupej J … +3 more , Martinková K, Rmoutilová R, Velemínská J
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Sep · PMID 42054825 · Publisher ↗
Facial approximation aids identification of unknown individuals in forensic and anthropological contexts. Digital approximation methods estimate Facial Soft‑Tissue Thickness (FSTT) and facial shape from virtual skulls, w...
Facial approximation aids identification of unknown individuals in forensic and anthropological contexts. Digital approximation methods estimate Facial Soft‑Tissue Thickness (FSTT) and facial shape from virtual skulls, which are meant to lower subjectivity. Yet substantial variability persists in predicted outcomes, particularly in the nasal and lower facial regions. AFA3D (Anthropological Facial Approximation in Three Dimensions), developed by Guyomarc'h et al. (2014) from French data, generates facial predictions using statistical shape modelling, FSTT‑based warping, and iterative algorithms. Earlier studies reported moderate error in the mouth and smaller errors in nasal and orbital areas, but its broader performance remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assesses AFA3D by comparing approximated faces with original facial meshes from 40 CT-scans, 10 each from Czech, Slovak, Egyptian, and French samples. Geometric morphometric comparison was conducted using Morphome3cs II. Across samples, 75.9-84.2% of facial surfaces fell within ±2.5 mm deviation. Systematic regional errors were observed in the nose, lips, chin, cheeks, and upper face, with males generally showing greater localised discrepancies than females. These patterns correspond to anatomical regions with limited skeletal constraint and to sex‑linked cranial structural differences, as observed in previous approximation validations. Overall, AFA3D produces predictions with consistent regional error patterns, underscoring the need for more detailed mapping of local deviations, better modelling of posture‑related influences, and continued refinement of automated approximation methods to strengthen forensic reliability.
Addresing complex kinship and incidental findings in MPI/DVI databases Using SNPs Panels to Strengthen Casework Reporting.
Herrera Piñero M, Biagini S, Picado F … +1 more , Mayordomo AC
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42048788 · Publisher ↗
In complex forensic genetic cases involving DNA databases applied to DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) or MPI (Missing Person Identification), identification becomes particularly challenging when parental reference sa...
In complex forensic genetic cases involving DNA databases applied to DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) or MPI (Missing Person Identification), identification becomes particularly challenging when parental reference samples are unavailable and only second-degree relatives are available for pedigree reconstruction. The statistical power needed for a conclusive match depends strongly on the declared relationships and the composition of the reference group. Incidental findings, such as misspecified kinship or undisclosed non-paternity, introduce significant ethical dilemmas regarding the disclosure of sensitive information, as well as technical challenges related to avoiding missed identifications. This study uses a methodological example and a reconstructed methodological scenario reflective of complex forensic challenges experience to examine both the technical and ethical dimensions associated with incidental findings. We describe the statistical approach used to evaluate and resolve scenarios that reveal the underlying structure and potential inconsistencies within the reference pedigree. We discuss how Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panels can support the resolution of such cases without requiring disclosure of misreported kinship when such disclosure is not necessary for identification and falls outside the judicial mandate, thereby facilitating the identification of the Person of Interest (POI) across both family branches. Although these panels provide increased statistical power, they also introduce new considerations related to methodological limitations and the need for standardized reporting practices. Overall, this work highlights the intersection of technological innovation and ethical responsibility in forensic genetics, emphasizing the importance of clear, consistent communication in expert reports to judicial authorities.
A strategy for distant kinship analysis using historical human remains: First identifications of Stalinist terror victims in Adjara, Georgia.
Żak K, Gonashvili M, Stanisz K … +11 more , Stępień M, Cytacka S, Zielińska G, Zacharczuk J, Dowejko J, Łuczak W, Olszewska N, Suproń M, Sołtyszewski I, Ossowski A, Szargut M
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42034764 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The identification of human remains from historical and post-conflict contexts remains a major challenge due to DNA degradation and limited availability of close relatives. This study presents an integrative...
BACKGROUND: The identification of human remains from historical and post-conflict contexts remains a major challenge due to DNA degradation and limited availability of close relatives. This study presents an integrative approach combining biogeographical ancestry inference, multiple genetic marker systems (standard and non-standard STRs, iiSNPs) and biostatistical evaluation to support kinship inference within a large-scale human rights investigation in Georgia. The aim of the study was to maximise the number of individuals who could be reliably identified despite DNA degradation and distant kinship, while simultaneously assessing the evidential value of different marker systems-including determining the suitability of the KinFinder panel for historical casework-and evaluating whether extended STR-based approaches can offer a viable alternative to large, cost-intensive SNP panels. METHODS: Samples from 28 victims and 20 families of missing persons were analysed using autosomal STRs (GlobalFiler), Y-STRs (YFiler Plus), additional kinship-focused STRs (KinFinder), and iiSNPs (Precision ID Identity Panel). Y-STRs and Y-SNPs were used for BGA. LR distribution simulations were performed to estimate expected LRs for kiships initially appointed by the DVI module of Familias. LR calculations were conducted under both independence and linkage-corrected assumptions. RESULTS: Successful identification was achieved for all historically supported victim candidates with available comparative family material, corresponding to 17 of the 28 individuals recovered from the burial site. Linkage effects were minimal and small-scale SNP-based analyses were not the most informative for distant kinships. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first successful application of such a strategy in large-scale human rights investigations in the Caucasus region and, to the best of our knowledge, one of the first globally. The results demonstrate that integrating multiple marker systems with advanced statistical modelling can substantially improve identification outcomes in long-term post-conflict contexts.
SMART-MHmix: A probabilistic model for microhaplotype-based forensic DNA mixture analysis.
Ji X, Feng Y, Chi L … +7 more , Fu M, Kang K, Zhang C, Chen J, Wu L, Wang L, Chen H
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42030864 · Publisher ↗
The interpretation of complex DNA mixtures remains a persistent challenge in forensic genetics. Although probabilistic genotyping systems for capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based short tandem repeats (STRs) represent sig...
The interpretation of complex DNA mixtures remains a persistent challenge in forensic genetics. Although probabilistic genotyping systems for capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based short tandem repeats (STRs) represent significant progress, their applicability is constrained by the inherent limitations of CE platform when analyzing highly complex mixtures. Microhaplotypes (MHs) are multi-allelic markers compatible with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and present a promising alternative. However, the absence of methods for quantitatively interpreting NGS-based MH data hinders their practical application. To address this gap, we present SMART-MHmix, a probabilistic genotyping framework designed to model mixture profiles from NGS-sequenced MH loci and perform statistical evidentiary assessment. The framework calculates the probability of observed allele read counts conditional on their expected values, where the expected read counts are determined from the product of contributor template DNA amounts, locus-specific amplification efficiencies, and replicate-specific effects. The core likelihood calculation integrates three key components: a log-normal distribution modeling true allele signals, probabilistic models for stochastic drop-in and drop-out events, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling for robust inference. We evaluated the performance of SMART-MHmix using 104 synthetic DNA mixtures of 2 to 5 contributors, profiled with the MHSeqTyper47 kit (47 autosomal MH loci). SMART-MHmix demonstrated robust performance across all mixture complexities. Likelihood ratio (LR) analysis provided strong discriminating power, with LRs for true contributors reaching up to 10 and over 86% exceeding 10 across all mixture complexities, and correct support for exclusion for non-contributors. Using a threshold of θ=1, both sensitivity and specificity exceeded 90% in all tested scenarios. Mixture deconvolution enabled accurate genotype inference for major contributors, with high values for both the number of resolved loci and match success. Inference of the second contributor was reliable when the major contributor proportion exceeded 60%. For minor contributors ranked third or lower (by template DNA proportion), both the number of resolved loci and match success declined as mixture complexity increased. Overall, SMART-MHmix represents a dedicated continuous probabilistic model for MH-NGS data, enabling reliable analysis of complex forensic DNA mixtures with the potential to outperform conventional CE-STR workflows.
Morphology-based preservation scoring predicts DNA detection success in elephant and mammoth ivory, bone, and teeth using WildSEQ.
Yugovich O, Cave V, Sturrock S … +1 more , Harbison SA
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42030863 · Publisher ↗
The illegal trade in elephant ivory and the legal use of mammoth ivory as a substitute continues to complicate detection and enforcement due to limitations in current identification methods. DNA-based approaches provide...
The illegal trade in elephant ivory and the legal use of mammoth ivory as a substitute continues to complicate detection and enforcement due to limitations in current identification methods. DNA-based approaches provide more definitive results compared to morphology-based or chemical-based methods, but are often costly and time-consuming. This study evaluated colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a potential field-deployable alternative to quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detecting elephant and mammoth DNA from calcified tissues including ivory, bone, and teeth. We compared colorimetric LAMP with two qPCR assays. The longer amplicon assay targeted the same region as LAMP, and the shorter assay optimised for degraded DNA. qPCR amplicons were then sequenced using nanopore technology to achieve species and subspecies resolution. LAMP successfully amplified synthetic DNA but proved unsuitable for calcified tissue samples. The short-amplicon qPCR-sequencing workflow detected as few as 10 copies of elephant or mammoth DNA with high species-specificity. Nanopore sequencing further enabled subspecies resolution and resolved ambiguous qPCR results. The purpose-built WildSEQ analysis pipeline provided rapid, easily interpretable results, with lower computational requirements than standard BLAST workflows. Factors influencing detection success, including preservation state and sampling quantity, were explored. A simplified preservation scoring system based on easily observable morphological traits (colour, brittleness, structural condition) was developed to predict the likelihood of amplifiable DNA being present prior to destructive sampling. Total preservation score strongly predicted DNA detection success, with colour identified as the simplest and most useful indicator. Sample quantity (mg) was also a strong predictor of successful species identification regardless of preservation state. This simplified and integrated workflow combines qPCR sensitivity with nanopore sequencing resolution for species identification from calcified tissues. The use of preservation scoring shows promise as a rapid, non-destructive tool to support evidence-based decision making in wildlife forensic science and ancient DNA applications.
Bone strength parameters of the femoral shaft and the influence of age, BMI and vBMD: Implications for forensic fracture evaluation.
Khatam-Lashgari A, Pengcheng Ji MPB, Hansen K … +2 more , Larsen ST, Villa C
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Aug · PMID 42030789 · Publisher ↗
Multiple interconnected parameters contribute to bone strength. The assessment of bone strength and fragility, which are crucial measures of bone health, is essential not only in the clinical setting for diagnosis but al...
Multiple interconnected parameters contribute to bone strength. The assessment of bone strength and fragility, which are crucial measures of bone health, is essential not only in the clinical setting for diagnosis but also in forensic medicine, where it aids in identifying the underlying cause of various bone traumas. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the bone strength parameters cortical thickness index (CTI), cortical bone thickness (CBT), endocortical area (ECA), and endocortical volume (ECV), and age, body mass index (BMI), and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in a female autopsy-population. Measurements were performed on the left femur and derived from 103 post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) images of females aged 24-95 years. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between age and all the bone parameters, except for ECA. When BMI was accounted for, there was still a significant correlation between age and CTI, vBMD, CBT, and ECV. Individuals in the underweight and normal weight categories demonstrated lower CTI and CBT values than those classified as obese. A significant correlation was observed between vBMD and the four bone parameters CTI, CBT, ECV and ECA. This study highlights the importance of considering various bone strength parameters and their relationship with age, BMI, and vBMD in assessing bone strength.
Temperature-dependent development and multimodal intra-puparial age estimation of Sarcophaga formosensis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).
Wu H, Xia Y, Li J … +4 more , Deng Z, Tian L, Shang Y, Guo Y
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Aug · PMID 42030788 · Publisher ↗
Sarcophaga formosensis (Kirner & Lopes, 1961) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a forensically significant necrophagous fly. However, its utility in estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) is limited by a lack of b...
Sarcophaga formosensis (Kirner & Lopes, 1961) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a forensically significant necrophagous fly. However, its utility in estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) is limited by a lack of baseline bionomic data and the inherent challenges of intra-puparial age estimation. In this study, we established comprehensive developmental datasets for S. formosensis across five constant temperatures (15-35 °C). The lower developmental threshold (D) was 10.27 ± 0.19 °C, with a thermal summation constant (K) of 5396.11 ± 129.00 degree-hours. Additionally, 35 °C was identified as the upper lethal threshold. To aid intra-puparial age determination, a chronological morphological atlas was systematically constructed. Furthermore, to overcome the discrete nature of morphological milestones, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was integrated with machine learning (ML) for non-destructive age estimation. The XGBoost model effectively extracted temperature-independent spectral features, achieving superior predictive accuracy (R = 0.92, MAE = 8.35 degree-days). This study provides the first systematic developmental parameters and morphological markers for S. formosensis, while validating an HSI-ML framework for quantitative, non-destructive intra-puparial age estimation in forensic casework. These findings provide critical data references and innovative methodologies to facilitate the application of this species in forensic entomology.
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