Forensic science international最新文献

{"title":"Heat induced changes in bone and its crystal size: A comprehensive analysis by FTIR-ATR and XRD","authors":"Akanksha Srivastava ,&nbsp;Hari Krishna Singh ,&nbsp;Deepesh Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112742","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112742","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skeletal remains play a vital role in forensic investigations, especially in cases involving prolonged decomposition, burning, or mutilation to obscure evidence. Bone is a complex material primarily composed of Hydroxyapatite (a Calcium Phosphate compound) and other minerals, collagen, non-collagenous proteins, lipids, cells and vascular tissue. While previous researches have explored the effects of temperature and duration of burning on bone but they often lack a systematic examination of how these parameters affect the morphology and internal structure of bone mineral. Additionally, most of the previous research have predominantly used animal bone as a sample instead of human bone, which may not accurately represent human bone characteristic under similar conditions. To address this gap, this study acknowledges the difference in the burning characteristics that affects the practicality of the result in forensic cases. and utilizes human femoral bone obtained from unidentified bodies to simulate the burning conditions typical in fire cases. The research examines the impact of temperatures ranging from 200℃ to 1200℃ over durations of 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. Observable changes in bone dimensions and coloration are analyzed, and Fourier Transform Infrared Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) is used to assess changes in mineral composition. Additionally, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is used to measure changes in bone crystallinity, revealing a decrease in crystal size due to organic component loss and a spike in crystal size at higher temperatures due to the formation of tricalcium phosphate from hydroxyapatite. These findings provide valuable insights into the thermal degradation of human bones, enhancing the accuracy of forensic investigations involving extreme thermal conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112742"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145586434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implication of GHB in proactive drug facilitated crime in Paris, France","authors":"Léo Dubois ,&nbsp;Romain Magny ,&nbsp;Laurence Labat ,&nbsp;Clément Augustin ,&nbsp;Tiffany Pinto ,&nbsp;Jennifer Truchot ,&nbsp;Marc Liautard ,&nbsp;Pascal Houzé ,&nbsp;Laurène Dufayet","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the proportion of suspected pro-active drug facilitated crime (DFC) cases involving GHB through an appropriate toxicological assessment for any adult presenting as a victim of proactive DFC within 10 h at the Department of Forensic Medicine (DFM) of Hôtel-Dieu hospital or the emergency departments of Hôtel-Dieu and Cochin hospitals, Paris, France.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Adults presenting at the DFM of Hôtel-Dieu hospital or the emergency departments of Hôtel-Dieu and Cochin for suspected proactive DFC were included. Blood and urine samples were sent to the toxicology laboratory of Lariboisière for a toxicological assessment, including GHB measurement and screening using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HRMS/MS). Cannabinoid’s plasma concentration and urine confirmation were performed using LC-ESI-HRMS/MS. Other compounds were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This study was approved by the AP-HP Centre Research Ethics Committee, registered under IRB #00011928, and listed in the AP-HP general treatment registry</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 49 individuals were included in the study. The mean sampling time was 6.0 h. The sex ratio was 0.33, and the median age was 24.11 years. Voluntary consumption of psychoactive substances in the hours before the event were frequently reported by the patients (91.8 % for ethanol, 20.4 % for illicit substances and 12.2 % for medication with potential psychoactive effects). Six patients tested positive for GHB in urine (mean: 576.3 mg/L), and three were also positive in blood (mean: 46 mg/L). Among them, none reported voluntary GHB consumption. Additionally, undeclared PAS were detected in five other patients, including benzodiazepines and non-therapeutic PAS, suggesting cases of proactive DFC. Overall, proactive DFC was probable in 11 cases and opportunistic DFC in 17 cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results show a significant proportion of probable GHB-related proactive DFC cases, often within a chemsex context. Further studies, in collaboration with emergency services are necessary to better understand this rising phenomenon and GHB might be under detected in DFC cases due to its pharmacokinetic properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112734"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145573369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Novel imaging solution to quantify, evaluate and compare gunshot residue patterns","authors":"Michael A. Kusluski ,&nbsp;Malcolm Hreben ,&nbsp;Rachel S. Bolton-King","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) patterns is crucial for the reconstruction of shooting incidents. Established chemographic methods, such as the Modified Griess and Sodium Rhodizonate tests, are effective but also destructive, hazardous and not readily quantifiable. This paper presents proof-of-principle for a new quantifiable method to compare GSR patterns and evaluate the performance of a flatbed scanner, modified by the manufacturer to operate in blue-green fluorescence (BGF, 450 nm excitation/630 nm barrier) and infrared reflectance (IR) modes (850 nm). The effects of 9 mm Luger ammunition brand as well as fabric color and type were evaluated using the spectroscopic scanner and Weber-contrast method developed. The unenhanced Weber contrast among ammunition brands ranged from 0.28 to 0.85 when viewed upon a single cotton fabric background. Darkening caused by smoke deposits appeared to dampen propellant-particle brightness, at least for certain brands of ammunition, but did not fully explain the difference in contrast between brands. Analysis of 248 representative fabric swatches revealed that suitable contrast could be achieved after enhancement for 92 % (BGF mode) and 91 % (IR mode) of those evaluated, with median Weber contrast values of 10.3 (BGF) and 4.83 (IR) achieved following enhancement. These were well above the Weber threshold required for human visual perception (∼0.1) and demonstrate its potential use as a comparison tool in forensic practice and research. Evaluation of muzzle-to-target distance estimation using this scanner will be the subject of a future study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112721"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photography techniques for 3D surface reconstruction during autopsy","authors":"Constantin Lux ,&nbsp;Lars Ebert ,&nbsp;Wolf Schweitzer ,&nbsp;Garyfalia Ampanozi ,&nbsp;Vasiliki Chatzaraki ,&nbsp;Marco Bösch ,&nbsp;F. Florian Kreitmeier ,&nbsp;Mattias Kettner","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photographic documentation of forensic findings during autopsy traditionally relies on two-dimensional overview and detail photos. Modern photogrammetry enables the generation of high-resolution 3D models, with lighting techniques having a significant influence on model quality. The aim of this study was to compare a stationary high-performance setup with four studio flashes, a mobile low-budget setup using a ring flash, and reference methods without external lighting, with respect to acquisition efficiency, texture quality, and practical applicability. Ten bodies were fully documented photographically, whereby image acquisition was performed using a Sony Alpha 7 R V with standardized camera settings. 3D model generation was conducted using 3DF Zephyr. Several ambient lighting and camera parameter configurations, acquisition time, as well as 3D texture quality, and artefact formation were evaluated. In both flash-supported methods, the images required for high-resolution models could be acquired within 3–6 min with the stationary setup showing the most consistent results, while the mobile setup revealed strengths in confined anatomical regions. Reference methods without controlled lighting proved less suitable due to texture inconsistencies, lower texture resolution, or prolonged acquisition times. Subjective model quality and interpretability were additionally assessed by eight forensic specialists using a structured rating scheme, further supporting the superiority of flash-assisted methods. In conclusion, controlled lighting and stable acquisition parameters are essential for high-quality and reproducible photogrammetric documentation in forensic autopsy practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112702"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145474356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validity and repeatability of the pulp/tooth area ratio for age estimation in adults: A test of the Cameriere et al. methods in a U.S. population","authors":"Alexandra Semma Tamayo ,&nbsp;M. Biannet Perez ,&nbsp;Kailee Behunin ,&nbsp;Cai Caccavari ,&nbsp;Nolan M. Robinson ,&nbsp;Laure Spake","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estimating age as accurately as possible in older adults (50 years and above) remains a challenge. Dental methods such as the pulp/tooth area ratio developed by Cameriere et al. have shown promising results in different populations. However, their applicability across forensic contexts remains underexplored. This study evaluates the repeatability and validity of the Cameriere method in a contemporary U.S. sample using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. A total of 136 mandibular canines, 89 first premolars, and 82 second premolars from 146 individuals were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were evaluated using technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM (rTEM), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Method accuracy was assessed using mean residuals, mean absolute residuals, and the percentage of individuals within the 95 % prediction interval. The method exhibited overall poor performance: only 46.90–58.33 % of individuals true age fell within the 95 % prediction interval. Performance was inconsistent across different age groups: individuals under 30 and over 60 years of age had greater prediction error. Mean absolute residuals were 13.52 years for the canine, 15.37 years for the first premolar, and 15.03 years for the second premolar. All teeth showed negative mean residuals indicating overall underestimation of the individuals' ages. While tooth area measurements showed acceptable repeatability, pulp cavity measurements exceeded acceptable error thresholds, suggesting observer experience plays a critical role in the application of this method. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding the limitations of this method in forensic casework in the U.S. and other populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145359647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case-specific accuracy in sex estimation from long bones in forensic anthropology: An “accuracy x-factors” approach","authors":"Siam Knecht ,&nbsp;Gabriele Krüger ,&nbsp;Leandi Liebenberg ,&nbsp;Yann Ardagna ,&nbsp;Marie Perrin ,&nbsp;Mustapha Ouladsine ,&nbsp;Christophe Roman ,&nbsp;Pascal Adalian","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sex estimation from human skeletal remains is a cornerstone of forensic anthropological analysis. Long bones, despite exhibiting less pronounced dimorphism than pelvis, serve as invaluable substitutes. However, traditional statistical approaches for sex estimation from long bone measurements often lack the precision and case-specific reliability demanded by stringent legal standards. This study addresses these critical limitations by rigorously exploring the potential of machine learning (ML) to significantly enhance sex estimation from long bones.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed 16 osteometric measurements from the humerus, radius, femur, and tibia of 2969 individuals (1207 females, 1762 males) across eight skeletal collections. Eleven ML algorithms were trained and cross-validated, then validated on an independent South African sample. To address the common issue of incomplete remains, we developed an “accuracy x-factors” approach. This method simulates missing data scenarios and selects tailored training subsets, yielding individualized reliability assessments adapted to specific measurement availability.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) consistently achieved the highest performance, with accuracies up to 93 %. The “accuracy x-factors” approach proved effective in providing per-individual confidence measures, highlighting that prediction reliability varies with data completeness. Adjusting thresholds to higher confidence levels (e.g., &gt;0.7) substantially reduced error rates, allowing a conservative yet legally robust classification of a smaller but more reliable subset of cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ML offers a powerful framework for sex estimation from long bones. The proposed “accuracy x-factors” approach introduces a significant methodological advance by delivering transparent, case-specific confidence levels. This strengthens both the forensic applicability and the legal admissibility of long bone-based sex estimation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Falls from height in forensic medicine: Differentiating accident, suicide, and homicide through case analysis and biomechanical modeling","authors":"Pelin Erol ,&nbsp;Yaşar Mustafa Karagöz","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Falls from height represent one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death worldwide. Distinguishing between accidental, suicidal, and homicidal falls remains a major forensic challenge. Autopsy findings alone may not reveal the true origin, particularly in cases with inconsistent witness statements or complex injury mechanisms. Integrating biomechanical simulations with classical forensic methods offers an opportunity to strengthen interpretative accuracy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 258 fall-from-height cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Akdeniz University, between 2007 and 2016. Demographic variables, fall height, injury patterns, and manner of fall were evaluated. Additionally, a representative case (25-year-old female, 7th-floor fall) was reconstructed using MADYMO and LS-DYNA in three scenarios: accidental backward fall, suicidal forward jump, and homicidal push. Detailed initial and boundary conditions—including friction coefficient (μ=0.60), restitution coefficient (e=0.15), and scenario-specific initial velocities—were defined. Simulation outputs (impact velocity, rotational components, HIC15, VC, AIS-based injury probabilities) were compared with autopsy findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 258 cases, 94.9 % were accidents, 4.7 % suicides, and 0.4 % suspected homicides. The mean fall height was 7.03 m, with head–neck trauma being the most common injury (49.2 %). In the representative case, the accidental scenario demonstrated the highest concordance (89 %) with autopsy findings, while suicide and homicide simulations produced inconsistent injury profiles. Biomechanical modeling showed increasing head accelerations and injury probabilities across accident (82 g; 54 %), suicide (94 g; 71 %), and homicide (110 g; 89 %) scenarios. Rotational motion around the railing pivot increased intermediate contact velocity, substantially affecting impact severity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Accurate determination of fall origin requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating autopsy findings, scene investigation, and biomechanical simulations. Objective simulation-based metrics (HIC, VC, g-forces) complement classical forensic evaluation and improve the interpretative reliability of disputed or ambiguous cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112815"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A 3D vector-based approach to facial soft tissue–cranial relationships for forensic identification in the Spanish population","authors":"Fernando Navarro ,&nbsp;Rubén Martos ,&nbsp;Sergio Damas ,&nbsp;Inmaculada Aleman","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Facial soft tissue thickness is a key parameter in forensic craniofacial identification, reflecting the anatomical relationship between the skull and the overlying soft tissues. This study characterizes the spatial correspondence between cranial (craniometric) and facial (cephalometric) landmarks in a Spanish adult population through a three-dimensional vector-based approach applied to computed tomography data. CT scans from 459 healthy individuals (264 males, 195 females; aged 18–60 years) were analyzed. A total set of 12 cephalometric and craniometric landmarks were selected. For each pair of landmarks, the spatial coordinates (X, Y, Z) were extracted and used to compute vectors describing both the orientation and direction in space, as well as the distance corresponding to soft tissue thickness between bone and skin. Statistically significant sex differences were found for most landmarks, but only four exceeded the measurement error threshold. The 3D vectorial approach provides a comprehensive representation of craniofacial spatial relationships beyond linear measurements, allowing a more precise understanding of tissue distribution and landmark orientation. This study presents the first vector-based facial soft tissue thickness reference dataset for the Spanish population, enhancing the accuracy of craniofacial identification and its integration into computational and AI-based forensic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112802"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of blood micro-samples in forensic thanatology","authors":"Myriam Bertrand- Ndoye ,&nbsp;Hugo Girard ,&nbsp;Florian Hakim ,&nbsp;Alexandr Gish ,&nbsp;Caroline Ghoul ,&nbsp;Yann Delannoy ,&nbsp;Quentin Scanvion ,&nbsp;Valéry Hédouin ,&nbsp;Jean-Michel Gaulier","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112798","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112798","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic thanatology, <em>post-mortem</em> blood is often stored for long periods, leading to <em>in vitro</em> variations in drug concentrations. This study evaluated the use of dried blood microsampling supports dried (Dried Blood Spot – DBS and Volumetric Absorptive MicroSampling (VAMS) as an alternative to conventional tubes. 72 bodies were sampled, including 35 analyzed toxicologically. 6 categories of substances (26 molecules) were quantified using LC-MS/MS or LC-HRMS. Heroin, several benzodiazepines, and cocaine showed excellent stability on DBS, while they degraded or disappeared in conventional tubes. In some cases, the absence of a micro-sample would have prevented the diagnosis of intoxication. For other molecules, concentration differences between DBS and conventional tubes did not alter the medico-legal interpretation, with equivalent values for morphine, codeine, and tramadol. THC and its metabolites remained difficult to extract from DBS. Microsampling has improved the qualitative detection of unstable drugs in <em>post-mortem</em> blood in routine forensic thanalogic sampling practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112798"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temperature-dependent development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) and posterior spiracle–based substaging of third instar larvae","authors":"Ziyan Liu ,&nbsp;Tae Mo Kang ,&nbsp;Jieun Park ,&nbsp;Kwang Soo Ko ,&nbsp;Young Kyu Park ,&nbsp;Seong Hwan Park","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estimating the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) is an essential task in practical forensic entomology. mPMI estimation is carried out using information on the species recovered at the scene, appropriate developmental data, and the developmental stages of those species. In this study, we obtained developmental data for <em>Musca domestica</em> Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae), a synanthropic species that inhabits human-associated environments and is also encountered in forensic entomology cases. <em>Musca domestica</em> was reared at constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34 °C, and we generated developmental data, estimated a thermal summation model, and subdivided third instar development based on time-dependent changes in the posterior spiracle. <em>Musca domestica</em> completed development across all tested temperatures (706.5 h at 16 °C; 163.6 h at 34 °C). For the entire developmental period, the lower developmental threshold and total thermal requirement were estimated as 11.43 °C and 3350.2 accumulated degree hours, respectively. We also documented time-dependent changes in third instar posterior spiracle structures—the peritreme, spiracular plate, slits, and scar—and proposed developmental substages centered on the scar and surrounding morphology. The third instar was subdivided into four substages based on externally observable features of these structures. Through this work, we provide developmental data for Korean populations of the forensically important species <em>M. domestica</em> and propose third instar substages that enable more precise estimation of developmental time and can be applied using simple microscopic observations in forensic casework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112801"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}