CT scans help with identification to solve cold cases
Technology typically used to diagnose medical illnesses is being used to help identify victims in cold cases.
Technology typically used to diagnose medical illnesses is being used to help identify victims in cold cases.
Inova Alexandria Hospital in the US is using computed tomography (CT) scanning machines to examine the skulls of unidentified deceased children.
The research is being carried out in conjunction with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
Using a combination of Adobe Photoshop and FreeForm modelling, a forensic imaging specialist can reconstruct the victims appearance based on the persons presumed ancestry and age.
To do a facial reconstruction, the specialist needs to have the skull digitised with a CT scan, which can produce three-dimensional images using X-ray and computer technology.
In the UK, the East Midlands Forensic Pathology unit, based at the University of Leicester, used 3D images derived from post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans as an aid to demonstrate injuries to a jury at Nottingham Crown Court for the first time in evidence at a UK trial.