Forensic Skeletal And Molecular Anthropology Face To Face: Combining Expertise For Identification Of Human Remains

July 2025 in “ Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences ”

Elena Pilli, Andrea Palamenghi, Cristina Cattaneo

TLDR Combining skeletal and molecular anthropology improves identifying human remains.

Forensic anthropology (FA) and molecular anthropology (MA) can significantly enhance the identification of human remains when combined, as FA provides reliable skeletal analysis while MA offers additional tools for forensic identification. Despite the current rarity of collaboration between these fields, this review highlights the potential for MA to address limitations encountered by FA, thereby improving case resolution. The integration of FA and MA can create more comprehensive biological profiles, increasing the likelihood of identifying unknown remains and advancing innovative techniques in the pursuit of truth and justice.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Genetic Prediction of Male Pattern Baldness Based on Large Independent Datasets

3 citations , November 2022 in “European Journal of Human Genetics”

New models predict male pattern baldness better than old ones but still need improvement.

research Testing the Impact of Trait Prevalence Priors in Bayesian-Based Genetic Prediction Modeling of Human Appearance Traits

5 citations , November 2020 in “Forensic Science International Genetics”

Using trait prevalence priors in genetic prediction models for appearance traits is currently impractical due to limited knowledge and potential accuracy issues.

research Exploring the Possibility of Predicting Human Head Hair Greying from DNA Using Whole-Exome and Targeted NGS Data

37 citations , August 2020 in “BMC Genomics”

Hair greying is mainly influenced by age, with genetics playing a smaller role.

research Dissection of Genetic Variation and Evidence for Pleiotropy in Male Pattern Baldness

58 citations , December 2018 in “Nature Communications”

Male pattern baldness is mostly inherited, involves many genes, and is linked to other traits like early puberty and strong bones.

research Genome-Wide Association Study in Japanese Females Identifies Fifteen Novel Skin-Related Trait Associations

58 citations , June 2018 in “Scientific reports”

Researchers found 15 new genetic links to skin traits in Japanese women.

research GWAS for Male-Pattern Baldness Identifies 71 Susceptibility Loci Explaining 38% of the Risk

57 citations , November 2017 in “Nature Communications”

Researchers found 71 genetic regions linked to male pattern baldness, which account for 38% of its genetic risk.

research Meta-Analysis Identifies Novel Risk Loci and Yields Systematic Insights into the Biology of Male-Pattern Baldness

64 citations , March 2017 in “Nature communications”

Researchers found 63 genes linked to male-pattern baldness, which could help in understanding its biology and developing new treatments.

research Genetic Prediction of Male Pattern Baldness

133 citations , February 2017 in “PLoS Genetics”

Genetic factors can help predict male pattern baldness risk.

research Prediction of Male-Pattern Baldness from Genotypes

37 citations , October 2015 in “European Journal of Human Genetics”

Genetic data can predict male-pattern baldness with moderate accuracy, especially for early-onset cases in some European men.

research Evaluation of the Predictive Capacity of DNA Variants Associated with Straight Hair in Europeans

36 citations , September 2015 in “Forensic Science International: Genetics”

Certain DNA variants can predict straight hair in Europeans but are not highly specific.

research Evaluation of DNA Variants Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia and Their Potential to Predict Male Pattern Baldness

48 citations , May 2015 in “PLOS ONE”

DNA variants can predict male pattern baldness, with higher risk scores increasing baldness likelihood.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Identification Of Four Genetic Risk Loci And Evidence For The Contribution Of WNT Signaling To Its Etiology

74 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Four genetic risk spots found for hair loss, with WNT signaling involved and a link to curly hair.

research Genetic Basis of Male Pattern Baldness

191 citations , December 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Male pattern baldness is largely genetic, linked to the androgen receptor gene, and may relate to certain health issues.