The evolution of methodology in biochemical age estimation

The identification of human remains is a vital part of a criminal investigation. Identification requires the creation of a biological profile, which is composed of sex, ancestry, stature, and age. Age is one of the key components. However, age-at-death estimation is one of the main challenges in forensic anthropology. In children and subadults, this estimation can be quite precise. In adults, it may be less precise due to endogenous and exogenous factors, such as pathological conditions and fragmentary remains. For this reason, new methodologies are required. Recent trends in identification include using techniques based on the natural process of aging, and thus, known aging markers. These methodologies are divided into chemical and molecular biology approaches. Aspartic acid racemization is currently the most accurate technique, although epigenetics is becoming more precise and growing popularity in forensics. However, the forensic context and the condition of the human remains available will determine which methodology is possible.