What is Forensic Anthropology?
Forensic anthropology is a form of forensic science that involves the study of the human bones. Forensic anthropologists can work with law enforcement to assist on investigations to identify the cause of death of badly decomposed human remains. They can also use their skills to work for humanitarian causes such as identifying people in natural disasters and wars.
Forensic anthropologists are very skilled in using visual cues to determine the age, ethnicity, sex, and height. When studying to become a Forensic anthropologist, they are also required to take courses related to the living and how age and disease can affect bone density. This, along with other different strategies such as comparing the current state of the bones archived xrays, examining the traits and shapes of the skull and measuring can be used to identify. They can also analyze habits such as smoking or dental hygiene to help narrow the search in identification. After lab tests are done, they make molds of the bones and preserve them as well.
Forensic anthropologists can estimate the time since death from the condition of the bones. Evidence found along with the human remains can also help the identification and examining the bones can also reveal trauma endured to the bones such as breaks and gunshots. Forensic anthropologists are skilled experts about the complex changes the human body goes through after death.
Why is Forensic Anthropology my passion?
Forensic anthropology became my passion after the start of Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. I started watching more TV shows and I stumbled apon a show called “Bones” which is based on a real-life forensic anthropologist named Kathy Reichs. The show’s main characters are an FBI agent and a Forensic anthropologist who work together to solve crimes. I watched all 12 season of the show in 2 months and it became my new passion. Ever since, I have done more research into Forensic anthropology and have even researched univerisities that offer courses in Forensic Sciences. While doing my research, I found out that Kathy Reichs, the real-life forensic anthropologist that the TV show “Bones” was based on is also an author. I decided to purchase a few of her books to read and I loved them. They feature the same main characters from the show but talk about different events. The books have more technical terminology that the TV show doesn’t showcase. She has a collection of 24 murder mysteries that she has written so far with a new book releasing July 8th, 2022 (that I have obviously pre-ordered). I love the application of science to the human body and my passion is a bit cumplusive in a way because I can’t fully explain my complete fascination with forensic anthropology.