Bringing Burnt Bones Back to 'Life' Using 3D Technology

 

Olivia Prior

Mr. Ippolito

Forensics EF Odd

January 18, 2022

 

“Bringing Burnt Bones Back to 'Life' Using 3D Technology.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 24 June 2020, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200624095950.htm. 

 

Forensic scientists at the University of Portsmouth have discovered a new way of presenting fragile evidence, by reconstructing a 'jigsaw' of human bone fragments using 3D printing. In the first known study of its kind, researchers took fragmented burnt human bones and tested the ability to make 3D models suitable to be shown to a jury in court. One of the scientists involved in the research, Dr Katherine Brown, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth, says: "A positive physical fit indicates that two or more fragments having originated from the same object. Confirming physical fit at a crime scene is essential to draw links between locations, place suspects at the scene, and allow for object reconstruction."The researchers ultimately found that 3D imaging and printing allowed for effective physical fit analysis without excessively handling the original fragments. Limiting the handling of fragile forensic evidence minimises damage and contamination. Additionally, the use of 3D prints opens up the possibility for physical fit demonstration, and the opportunity for a jury to explore the evidence replicas.

Any improvement in forensic science is going to have a great impact on society. With the ability to make 3D models, contamination will be less likely when handling crucial evidence. The less likely contamination is, the more accurate the investigation will be.It allows investigators to get a closer look without jepordizing their evidence. 

I found this article really interesting and it definitely taught me something new. I think the writer of the article gave a thorough explanation of the new forensic improvement and made it clear how useful it could be for future investigations. However, I would have loved to hear about a specific crime in which the 3D models were used.