Abstracts Anthropology

Cremains, what remains: Heat induced changes of biophysical properties of human bone, introducing new parameters and concepts for forensic anthropological analysis

by Tristan Krap

Salvaging burned human remains can be a challenging task for the forensic specialists, and interpreting evidence from thermally altered skeletal elements can be difficult. Based on the results presented in this dissertation more is possible than was previously known. In this dissertation, novel ways of finding and analyzing burned human remains are presented to the field of forensic anthropology. This thesis introduces new methods to collect and differentiate cremated bone from construction debris from a fire scene, and estimate the exposure temperature that bones have been exposed to – which is important for forensic investigation. Further, this dissertation provides the reader with new knowledge on heat induced biophysical changes and characteristics that aids the interpretation of skeletal damage that occurred before, during or after the fire. It is important for new methods in forensic practice to comply with legal standards. Accordingly, the value of the presented methods for practice in both the field and the courtroom are thoroughly discussed to inform both the forensic practitioner as well as the legal experts.