New research by SFU archaeologists could revolutionize forensic investigations and archaeological studies by introducing a novel method to estimate the age of juvenile remains. Published in the journal Forensic Science International, the study focuses on measuring the cranial and mandibular bones—an alternative approach when traditional methods (such as dental records or long bone measurements) are not viable, especially in the case of young children.
For their research, the team analyzed skeletal remains from 185 children (from birth to 12.9 years) sourced from natural history museum collections in Lisbon, Portugal, and London, U.K. These specimens, dating from the 1700s to the 1900s, provided a robust dataset, and the results demonstrated that measurements of the skull could serve as a valid, comprehensive method for juvenile age estimation.
According to SFU forensic anthropologist Hugo Cardoso, combining age estimation with other characteristics—such as sex and contextual clues—can significantly narrow down the list of potential identities. In practical forensic applications, families may then provide DNA samples to confirm the identity of a child whose remains have been discovered, offering much-needed closure.
Study lead Deanna Smith, an SFU archaeology MA student and member of the Wikwemikong First Nation, emphasizes the importance of accurate age estimation in criminal investigations. “Determining the age of remains is critical for identification purposes and helps reduce the pool of missing children candidates by focusing on specific age groups,” she explains.
This innovative method enhances forensic teams’ capabilities in criminal investigations and enriches archaeological research by reconstructing demographic profiles. By estimating age accurately, researchers can better understand historical patterns in nutrition, health, and stress during the growth years.
The breakthrough offers a new tool for forensic anthropologists and archaeologists alike, potentially transforming both medicolegal death investigations and the study of historical populations.
Source: Simon Fraser University
