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Open research questions in Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

79 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,753 Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Study Limitations This study has some limitations. In the present study, all measurements were performed directly on dry bones, which provides precise osseous morphometry but does not account for soft tissue, cartilage, degenerative changes in living subjects, or radiological reconstruction factors.

    MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DRY HUMAN ATLAS AND AXIS VERTEBRAE: ANATOMICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR C1-C2 SCREW PLACEMENT · 2026 · DOI

  • The author recommend that the study should be carry out in all the ethnic group of North-East region of Nigeria to aid forensic profession. Author Contribution: The author of this study contributed in the design for data collection, collection of data, analysis of data, writing of manuscript, typing of manuscript, review of literature, editing of manuscript and funding of the study.

    CORRELATION OF RIGHT FOOT LENGTH AND LEFT FOOT LENGTH TO BODY HEIGHT AMONG YOUNG ADULTS OF MUMUYE ETHNIC GROUP OF BALI, NORTH-EAST, NIGERIA · 2026 · DOI

  • Several limitations should be considered. Variation in CT acquisition parameters across hospitals may introduce sub- tle differences in image resolution, although strict inclusion criteria were applied to minimise this effect. Population affinity was inferred in some cases using surname-based methods where hospital records were incomplete. While this approach has precedent in retrospective research and was applied cautiously, it does not constitute definitive clas- sification and may introduce misclassification bias. Furthermore, the population categories employed reflect socially and historically defined groupings used within the South African medico-legal system. As with all population affinity estimation research, these categories do not equate to discrete biological entities. Instead, they serve as prag- matic proxies for patterned biological variation within a specific sociocultural context.

    Computed tomography as a solution to skeletal collection limitations: exploring cranial variation in the South African population · 2026 · DOI

  • Abstract Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has emerged as a non-destructive technique for three-dimensional visualization of radiodense gunshot residue (GSR), yet its quantitative performance and variability have not been systematically evaluated.

    Micro-computed tomography for gunshot residue detection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of distance-dependent deposition patterns · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on improv- ing model transparency, expanding population diversity in training datasets, and developing standardized validation frameworks to ensure the reliability and forensic applicabil- ity of AI-based identification systems.

    Artificial intelligence in forensic science: a systematic review. Part I: personal identification · 2026 · DOI

  • There are some limitations to consider when interpret- ing the outcomes of the present study. First, although the sample size is sufficient for initial evaluation, the inclu- sion of only Egyptian individuals may limit the general- izability of the results to other populations, and caution should be exercised when applying these results to other populations without further validation. Second, because this was a retrospective study, patient positioning during CBCT scans could not be standard- ized in advance. As a result, small differences in head orientation may still be present, even though standard clinical protocols were followed and poorly oriented scans were excluded. Third, using RadiAnt software, which does not allow full 3D volume reorientation, may have caused slight measurement differences. Nevertheless, measurements were restricted to native orthogonal planes to minimize this effect. Additionally, the reliance on linear morpho- metric measurements may not fully capture the com- plex three-dimensional architecture of the sinus cavity. Volumetric analyses may better represent overall sinus morphology and pneumatization patterns, potentially improving predictive performance. Fourth, patients with cranial bone pathology, fractures, and developmental anomalies were not included in this study. Thus, the applicability of our findings in such cases is restricted. Finally, imaging parameters and measurement tech- niques could have introduced some inconsistencies, although steps were taken to standardize procedures and check measurements with ICC analysis.

    Morphometric analysis of sphenoid sinus using cone-beam computed tomography: potential applications for age and sex estimation in an Egyptian population · 2026 · DOI

  • Yessy Andriani Fauziah 1*, Eveline Yulia Darmadi 1, Cindy Hendrawan 2, Dwi Setianingtyas 3 1 School of Dental Medicine, Universitas Ciputra Surabaya CitraLand CBD Boulevard, Made, Kec. Sambikerep, Kota Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60219, Indonesia 2 Dental Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Surabaya Kampus Unesa 2, Jl. Kampus Unesa Lidah Wetan, Kec. Lakarsantri, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60213, Indonesia 3 Departement of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No.

    THE ROLE OF CONSERVATIVE DENTAL RECORDS IN SUPPORTING FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY IDENTIFICATION: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE · 2026 · DOI

  • Clinical applications for midface rejuvenation and zygomatic implant placement require validation studies comparing the derived Azerbaijani morphometric reference data with surgical outcomes and aesthetic results in actual patient cohorts undergoing these procedures.

    CT-based Morphometric Assessment of the Marginal Tubercle in the Azerbaijani Population · 2026 · DOI

  • The age-related sutural remodeling observed in elderly males (increased TM-zygomaticofrontal suture distances with declining bone mineral density) requires longitudinal CT imaging studies to map the temporal progression of fibrotic changes and resorption patterns within craniofacial sutures throughout the lifespan.

    CT-based Morphometric Assessment of the Marginal Tubercle in the Azerbaijani Population · 2026 · DOI

  • Three-dimensional volumetric imaging and segmentation protocols for the marginal tubercle and zygomatico-orbital complex should be standardized to reduce segmentation errors (such as the +37.29 mm outlier in TM-dacryon distance) and improve measurement reproducibility across different CT imaging systems and reconstruction parameters.

    CT-based Morphometric Assessment of the Marginal Tubercle in the Azerbaijani Population · 2026 · DOI

  • The mechanisms underlying greater female craniofacial asymmetry and reduced bilateral symmetry in the marginal tubercle require multidisciplinary investigation incorporating genomic analysis, hormonal profiling, and biomechanical loading assessment to elucidate the specific roles of estrogen deficiency, mechanical stimulation variations, and genetic buffering.

    CT-based Morphometric Assessment of the Marginal Tubercle in the Azerbaijani Population · 2026 · DOI

  • Comparative morphometric studies across diverse Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations are essential to validate whether the observed sexual dimorphism and age-related remodeling patterns in the marginal tubercle are ethnic-specific traits of the Azerbaijani population or represent broader craniofacial variation patterns.

    CT-based Morphometric Assessment of the Marginal Tubercle in the Azerbaijani Population · 2026 · DOI

  • The model's performance on CT scans acquired with different scanner protocols, voxel resolutions, slice thicknesses, and reconstruction algorithms from various clinical institutions has not been assessed, leaving a gap regarding robustness to technical variability in paranasal sinus CT imaging for consistent AI-based sex determination.

    Development of an AI-based model for sex estimation using CT-derived metrics from paranasal sinuses · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper references AI applications in forensic dentistry and age estimation (refs. 14-18) but does not explicitly investigate whether AI-based paranasal sinus metrics could be combined with other skeletal and dental morphological features (mandibular dimensions, third molar development) in a multimodal machine learning framework to improve sex estimation accuracy in forensic casework scenarios.

    Development of an AI-based model for sex estimation using CT-derived metrics from paranasal sinuses · 2026 · DOI

  • While the model demonstrates AI-based classification for sex estimation using maxillary and frontal sinus dimensions, the specific deep learning architecture (convolutional neural networks vs. other machine learning classifiers), training dataset size, cross-validation methodology, and performance metrics (sensitivity/specificity) across different age groups and populations are not detailed, limiting reproducibility and comparative evaluation against existing radiomorphometric techniques.

    Development of an AI-based model for sex estimation using CT-derived metrics from paranasal sinuses · 2026 · DOI

  • The AI-based sex estimation model was developed and validated using CT-derived paranasal sinus metrics from a single population; the generalizability of the model to diverse geographic populations with different craniofacial anatomical variations (e.g., African, Asian, European ancestry groups) has not been evaluated and remains a critical gap for forensic anthropology applications.

    Development of an AI-based model for sex estimation using CT-derived metrics from paranasal sinuses · 2026 · DOI

  • This study focuses on methodological development and proof-of-concept evaluation, using only published data and simulation-based experiments; no real-world patient data were included. While this allows controlled assessment of it does not replace model behavior and interpretability, validation on clinical the framework should not yet be considered clinically validated, and its applicability in routine settings remains untested. The model has not been evaluated across diverse populations, and potential biases from non-representative datasets remain to be addressed. Fitting Richards-like curves to skeletal maturity data can be affected by identifiability limitations, especially imaging data.

    Biologically informed dual deep learning for skeletal maturity prediction in pediatrics · 2026 · DOI

  • This study is limited by the operator-dependent in assessing measurement procedures, particularly distances and angles within the greater sciatic notch, which may introduce inconsistencies and affect accuracy. Despite standardized protocols, some subjectivity persists. Additionally, anatomical variations in pelvic morphology, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, may lead to overlapping measurements between sexes, reducing the reliability. Table 5. Comparison of the accuracy of sex determination with other studies.

    The applications of three-dimensional computed tomography images of the greater sciatic notch for sex determination in forensic anthropology aspect in Thai population · 2025 · DOI

  • Although the marked convexity of the frontal bone and retraction of the facial skeleton under the anterior part of the cranial base are commonly regarded as traits significantly influencing the gracilisation of the supraorbital region (a decrease in the degree of robusticity) in the Homo sapiens crania, identification of which of these two traits is more important for this phenomenon has not yet been investigated.

    The meaning of the shape of the frontal bone, facial retraction and prognathism for the degree of gracilisation of the supraorbital region in Homo sapiens · 2022 · DOI

  • Sex was estimated/determined using standard anthropological procedures and ancient DNA (amelogenin analysis) where pelvis was insufficiently preserved or where sex morphological indicators were not consistent.

    Sex estimation standards for medieval and contemporary Croats · 2017 · DOI

  • When the degree of temperature is highly elevated, dental tissues are vulnerable and therefore the DNA pulp is not salvageable, wasting resources and time by lack of standards to identify macroscopic characteristics that indicate this situation reliably.

    Identificación de cadáveres sometidos a altas temperaturas, a partir de las características macroscópicas de sus órganos dentales y la aplicabilidad de la genética forense / Identification of Bodies Exposed to High Temperatures Based on Macroscopic... · 2016 · DOI

  • Future research should explore how the proposed shape categories can be applied to automated patternmaking processes and evaluated in terms of garment fit performance across different user groups. However, several limitations of this study should be acknowledged.

    Automatic classification of female body shape using 3D anthropometric scan data · 2026 · DOI

  • Conclusion: The measurements used for age estimation using CBCT images alone were insufficient and a regression equation was not created.

    Use of Tooth/Pulp Ratios in Dental Volumetric Tomography Sections for age Estimation in Forensic Dentistry · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite the presence of limitations, including a small sample size and the lack of standardized databases, the findings underscore the significance of cheiloscopy as a straightforward, non- invasive, and economically viable technique.

    Lip Print Analysis: Gender Differences And Identification Potential In Forensic Science · 2026 · DOI

  • This work is one of the few studies on the skeletal evidence of probable treponematosis in archaeological populations discovered on the Romanian territory, providing data to better understand the disease history.

    Treponematosis Evidence in Human Skeletons of 15th–19th Centuries, Discovered in Iași City (Eastern Romania) · 2026 · DOI

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79 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 1,753 Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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