A review of micro-computed tomography and artificial intelligence in talus-based forensic anthropology for sex and age estimation.

Abstract

Biological profiling is a crucial tool in forensic science, allowing for evaluating biological information from bones found at crime scenes. This method includes assessments of sex, age, stature, and ancestry. Sex assessment is the first step in biological profiling, as it influences other assessments. Age estimation is a particularly challenging aspect. Combining sex and age assessment may improve accuracy in age estimation. Researchers often use the pelvis and skull bones for these assessments due to their prevalence at crime scenes and their higher accuracy in evaluation. However, the talus, a foot bone with robust density, resilience, and resistance to damage, is another bone frequently encountered at crime scenes and may be a valuable subject for study. Medical imaging technology, particularly micro-CT imaging, supports sex and age assessment. Micro-CT images can significantly enhance the accuracy of assessments. The high resolution of these images presents an exciting opportunity for exploration in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI), which has revolutionized forensic science workflows. AI can potentially improve the efficiency and accuracy of sex and age assessment from bones. This article compiles research on past sex and age assessments and evaluations of the talus, including the application of micro-CT images to support these assessments. The aim is to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for studying sex and age assessment from the talus using micro-CT images in conjunction with AI.