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Forensic anthropological analyses and reports may include a wide range of information that could provide clues to establish identifications, cause or manner of death determinations, taphonomic alterations, or any other circumstance involving decedents. This is the study of skeletonized remains in medico-legal settings.

However, there is yet no uniform standard, within forensic anthropology in the U.S., which can be applied consistently to case analysis and report writing independent of work environment, education, or case circumstance that does not compromise forensic anthropological expertise in courtroom testimony.

A new study by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that while some areas of forensic anthropology seem to have a tacit agreement on standardized ways and citations, there are many areas in which forensic anthropologists are divided and not standardized. The researchers said such areas of division and disagreement-for instance, thoughts on objectivity among practitioners and education and training requirements-demonstrate the need for robust and enforceable standardization that applies to all forensic anthropologists.

"Now having evidence of dramatic opposing viewpoints-in some questions, nearly fifty-fifty splits-further pushes for an open discussion on this topic and the beginning of change. Further, because many forensic anthropologists are sole practitioners-32.4%-and consult on forensic anthropology cases without access to standard operating procedures or peer review, universal standards are important," says corresponding author Sean Tallman, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy & neurobiology.

To examine if this lack of standardization is problematic, the researchers surveyed to explore reporting practices, followed standards, and personal experiences concerning overall practices resulting in case reports. The survey was distributed through an email list related to professional forensic anthropologists and the social media platform X to forensic anthropologists who have experience in creating case reports.

Of those surveyed, the majority, 71.3% felt standardization was necessary; however, there were concerns expressed that the varied venues in which forensic anthropologists are employed (academia, humanitarian settings, government labs and medical examiner/coroner offices) create an issue in standardized requirements. Currently, the "best practice" standards for forensic anthropology do not define which methods to utilize or if peer review should be performed or how.

The findings indicate that the overall lack of standardization in forensic anthropological practice might be due to the different educational pathways to become a forensic anthropologist, given that no specific training requirements are universally accepted and overseen by governing or credentialing bodies.

"Education and training are arguably two of the less standardized aspects of this field. Whereas it is not anticipated or expected that all individuals have the same qualifications - different experiences are available to different individuals - overall, there is a general lack of minimum expectations beyond osteology training. Consequently, forensic anthropologists practicing today are being asked to conduct types of analyses they have not previously experienced, to include post-mortem interval estimation and comparisons of ante-mortem and postmortem X-rays for positive identification," adds Tallman. These findings appear in the journal Forensic Sciences.

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India has signed an MOU with the National Forensic Sciences University for further consolidating its technological, investigation, and forensic capabilities. The MOU was signed on 24th November 2025. NFSU, set up under the National Forensic Sciences University Act, 2020 is the country's premier institution in respect of forensic science education and research.

The agreement also aims at developing the competency of SEBI in select areas such as digital forensics, forensic accounting, cyber security, and data analytics. NFSU thus would design and deliver specialized and customized training programs for officers of SEBI with a view to enhance operational efficiency and improve regulatory oversight. The two institutions will jointly organize training sessions, seminars, conferences, and workshops on subjects of mutual interest, with faculty and officers from both sides participating.

The key deliverables of MoU include the following: Development of the latest forensic infrastructure for SEBI, including assistance in establishing state-of-the-art laboratories in domains such as cyber security, digital forensics, and allied sciences. The NFSU may also provide consultancy services to support SEBI in building modern investigative capabilities.

Further, the parties agreed to share knowledge and resources, subject to applicable laws, that can help in efficient discharge of respective functions. The move will help SEBI in handling cases of corporate fraud, fund diversion and other types of cases.

While India speeds towards scientific policing, investigation of cybercrimes, and evidence-based justice, Forensic Science has silently become one of the sought-after academic programs across universities. Slowly, this once-niche B. Sc. Forensic Science course is emerging among the top career options of students desiring an amalgamation of science, technology, law, and real investigation.

But what do students study over the three years? Why is this programme becoming a strategic asset for the universities and the nation?

Let's break it down year by year.

Year 1: The Science of Investigation Gets Underway

First-year courses introduce the student to the underlying principles of modern forensic work. Courses such as Introduction to Forensics, Biology & Anatomy, Chemistry, and Criminal Law establish a foundation in both scientific and legal literacy.

One such transformative subject is Crime Scene Investigation I. Students learn how to secure the crime scene, evidence collection, and photographic documentation, and to maintain the chain of custody-skills important in making sure no case falls apart in the courts due to mistakes in procedure or process.

What Year 1 does:

It shifts a student's mentality from that of learning in a text-book type manner to thinking investigationally. Learners begin to realize that a crime scene is a sort of puzzle, and every piece of evidence is a story waiting to be deciphered.

Year 2: The Skill-Building Stage

The second year involves more in-depth study of both the technical and analytical areas of forensic science. Courses such as Toxicology, Fingerprint & Document Analysis, and Forensic Physics introduce students to the science involved in dealing with poisons, handwriting verification, and physical evidence.

Such courses in Psychology and Criminology give insight not only into criminal behaviors and motives but also into patterns of investigations, enabling the student to develop an interdisciplinary lens through which profiling and questioning techniques can be strengthened.

Extensive laboratory sessions start to form a big part of the curriculum: handling real instruments by students, sample analysis, and simulation of forensic workflows.

What Year 2 does:

It sharpens scientific precision, attention to detail, and analytical abilities, which have to be part of every forensic professional.

Year 3: Specialisation and Industry Exposure

The final year prepares the students for the real world of crime detection and digital investigation.

The students were exposed to both traditional and emerging branches of the field, starting with Cyber Forensics-an up-and-coming field because of the ever-multiplying number of cybercrimes-to Ballistics and Forensic Medicine.

The third year constitutes mainly the compulsorily implemented Dissertation + Internship, where the students are attached to forensic labs, police departments, law firms, cyber cells, or corporate investigation teams.

Electives such as:

• DNA Forensics
• Cloud Forensics
• Forensic Audit
• Anthropology
• can allow students to personalize their career direction.

Additional modules on courtroom testimony, legal writing, and communication add value to equip them for effective evidence presentation in court, one of the most important skills in forensic work.

What Year 3 does:

It transforms students into job-ready professionals with scientific, legal, and digital investigative knowledge.

The Next Step: M.Sc. & Executive Programmes

Once undergraduate programs mature, universities can then seamlessly expand into:

M.Sc. Forensic Science, with specializations including digital forensics, toxicology, and ballistics, among others. Short-term executive programmes for police officers, cyber professionals and corporate risk teams

This forms a full academic ecosystem: UG → PG → professional training.

This vertical provides universities with enrolment stability in the long term and a strong industry network. Students will be able to open themselves up to careers in:

• Government forensic labs -FSL, CFSL
• Cybercrime units
• Corporate compliance
• Big 4 forensic audit roles

Criminal investigation agencies Financial fraud teams Research organisations 

Why this programme matters for India: 

At a time when India is fast adopting new criminal laws and forensic-first investigation requirements, the requirement of highly trained forensic professional manpower is especially high. Industry-linked training support coupled with appropriately designed B.Sc.–M.Sc. pipeline will help India produce graduates who can contribute to strengthening everything-from tracking cybercrime to DNA-based investigation. Forensic Science is not just another academic program but rather a national need.

One of the most striking findings is thus very straightforwardly stated in the paper: “The present study reports 100% lactating mothers having their breastmilk highly contaminated with uranium.”

Although the concentration varied from sample to sample, every single sample of breast milk showed detectable uranium (U-238), with values up to 5.25 g/l. 

The investigation mapped uranium levels district by district. In the data tables presented, Khagaria is shown to bear the highest average burden. In the decreasing order, the mean exposure to uranium [U238] contamination was found to be as follows: Khagaria > Samastipur > Begusarai > Katihar > Bhojpur > Nalanda.

The highest single peak uranium concentration of 5.25 g/L was recorded at Katihar.

Khagaria had the highest mean contamination level, with 4.035 g/L.

The lowest mean was recorded by Nalanda, at 2.354 g/L.

The spatial map for the study visually represents uranium spread across these districts and also points to an underlying hydrogeochemical pattern and environmental source.

INFANTS FACE HIGHER RISK THAN MOTHERS

In order to understand how uranium exposure may affect babies, the researchers estimated how much uranium infants can ingest through breast milk. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, a statistical technique that ran 10,000 iterations to predict possible risk scenarios, the analysis revealed that about 70% of the infants were at risk of developing non-cancer health effects if exposure continued.

The study also notes that "infants are highly vulnerable in comparison to their mothers" because of their still-developing organs, low body weight, and inability to excrete uranium as effectively. Because of this, small amounts of uranium can have a proportionally larger impact on infants.

The researchers examined not only possible kidney-related effects but also long-term cancer risks. 

While uranium is considered more for its radioactivity, its chemical toxicity is of more immediate concern—particularly for infants. The study details that infants have a higher absorption rate of heavy metals compared to adults due to low body weight and underdeveloped organs. The authors indicate multiple dangers:

Uranium exposure can present several potential effects on infant health, including "nephrotoxicity. long-term kidney damage." It may affect neurological development and lead to "cognitive and behavioral problems."

Uranium exposure may also "increase the risk of developing cancer later in life." It can cross both the blood-brain and placental barriers, posing a threat to normal brain development. Researchers also refer to a broader literature on how uranium can interfere with bone growth in early life, immune system development, and even motor skills.

According to the researchers: “Uranium binds to plasma proteins and preferentially accumulates in bones and kidneys. rather than in breast milk.”

Thus, while contamination of breastmilk is real, it may reflect recent exposure rather than the mother's long-term uranium burden. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that in this study, only a "weak positive association" was determined between levels and duration of residence, indicating that the contamination likely reflects recent daily intake-such as water and diet-rather than bioaccumulation over long periods of time.

SHOULD MOTHERS STOP BREASTFEEDING?

The authors say: “It is also recommended to emphasise that breastfeeding is the optimal method for infant nutrition, and its discontinuation should only occur based on clinical indication.” They note that breastmilk offers unmatched nutritional and immunological benefits, and the uranium levels detected, though of concern, do not justify the halt of breastfeeding without medical advice. 

Further research into uranium mobility in water, soil, and food chains Access to safer water, including filtration methods that can remove uranium (e.g., RO systems) The authors emphasize that: “There is also a need for biomonitoring of U238 in these regions at a broader level.” 

GROWING PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN 

In the last ten years, Bihar has already hit headlines for its arsenic, lead, and mercury contamination, with various studies - including some of the same research team - reporting heavy metal exposure in mothers and infants alike. This latest uranium study reinforces a familiar refrain: the environmental burden carried by Bihar's families, most of all in rural districts where groundwater is lifeline. The final conclusion of the study is measured but clear: While the levels of uranium present in the breast milk were not sufficient to present an immediate cancer risk, the researchers found that 70% of infants carry a risk of non-carcinogenic effects. This is because infants have a much lower body weight and developing kidneys, making them susceptible to toxicity even at concentrations that might be considered "safe" for adults. Speaking on the findings, Dr Ashok Sharma, Additional Professor, AIIMS Delhi said, "Though uranium exposure is associated with certain risks like disturbed neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued." He further explained, ".the uranium concentration in the breast milk sample is 5.25 micrograms per litre, which is well below the WHO permissible limit. The study still concludes that the actual impact of the infant's health is likely low, and most uranium absorbed by the mother is excreted primarily through the urine, not concentrated in the breast milk. Thus, breastfeeding is still recommended unless a clinical indication suggests otherwise."

A Class VI student at the Neerja Modi School in Jaipur reportedly died on Saturday after falling from the rooftop. After arriving at the scene, police and forensic experts started conducting thorough investigations into the incident.

SHO at Mansarovar Police Station, Lakhan Singh said, the girl was immediately taken to Metro Mas Hospital where the doctors declared her dead. He further said that the police have started collecting statements from the eye witnesses though no complaint has been lodged so far.

Taking serious note, Education Minister Madan Dilawar deeply condoled the death of the student. He directed the District Education Officer to probe this incident and present a detailed report. He termed the incident very unfortunate and said severe action would be taken in case of any negligence or wrongdoings on any part.

On the instructions of the minister, Additional District Education Officer Sanjay Srivastava visited the school, along with other officers of the Education Department, to take stock of the situation. An investigation would proceed with complete transparency and due process of law, while stern action would be taken against the accused, he said.

In fact, serious allegations of "destruction of evidence" in this case have been leveled by the Congress Councillor Karan Sharma: when he reached the school within a short time after the incident, students at the school told him that the victim identified as Amayra was already taken to the Metro Mas Hospital. Sharma further claimed that attempts to wash away crucial evidence were made by pouring water right from the fifth floor to the ground.

However, authorities have not verified the accusations so far, and the case of her death is now under investigation.

Are the blasts connected? Recent forensic investiations related to the Red Fort bomb blast have come up with some interesting facts. From the explosion scene, the forensic teams gathered more than forty samples, including cartridges and two types of explosives. According to preliminary investigations, one of the explosives may be ammonium nitrate, which is frequently used in bombs tied to terrorism, while the other is thought to be a more powerful chemical compound that has not yet been identified.The

A white Hyundai i20 automobile concealed an IED laden with ammonium nitrate, which exploded close to the Red Fort, killing thirteen people and injuring over twenty more, according to additional investigations. The thunderous explosion damaged numerous parked cars and shattered glass windows. A severed forearm was among the recovered body pieces that were sent for DNA testing to verify the victim's and suspects' identities.

DNA profiling identified the bomber beyond any doubt, and he was Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who was found trapped inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion, and his status was confirmed as a driver and an attacker. Investigations also revealed that this attack deviated from typical suicide bombing tactics. According to the reports, the blast occurred prematurely without designing it for maximum casualties, and that could mean panic or hurried execution by the perpetrator.​​

The investigation has now grown to unravel a wider terror conspiracy in which at least 32 vehicles, rigged with explosives and targeting different Indian cities, are involved. This network, reportedly affiliated with groups that have direct links to ISIS offshoot Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind, had individuals who arranged substantial funding and bought large quantities of chemical fertilizers used in the making of bombs.

The NIA has taken over the investigation from Delhi Police, directing a faster forensic examination and comprehensive reports. Security agencies continue with raids and intelligence gathering in order to dismantle the terror network behind the blast.