Forensic Anthropology is a journal devoted to the advancement of the science and professional development of the fields of forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology.

The journal primarily focuses on research, technical advancements, population data, and case studies related to the recovery and analysis of human remains in a forensic context. Topics such as forensic osteology, skeletal biology, and modern human skeletal variation are within the scope of Forensic Anthropology.

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): Stable Isotope Forensics

Published: 2025-04-16

Crossing Borders

International and Multidisciplinary Applications of Isotope Analysis in Forensic Anthropology

Eric J. Bartelink, Saskia Ammer

49–51

Abstract

This special issue of Forensic Anthropology focuses on applications of stable isotope analysis in forensic anthropology
and...

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Calculation and Interpretation of Inter-laboratory Variation in Isotope Delta (δ) Values Using Real Interpretative Differences

Lesley A. Chesson, Thuan H. Chau, Amelia J. Edwards, Gregory E. Berg

52–60

Abstract

Building on applications in anthropology, the use of stable isotope ratio analysis of human bone collagen to investigate an
individual’s life...

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Considerations for Stable Isotope Analysis of Human Hair

The Impact of Postmortem Environmental Exposure

Tiffany B. Saul, Lesley A. Chesson, Dawnie W. Steadman, Gwyneth W. Gordon

61–72

Abstract

Stable isotope analysis of postmortem hair is performed in order to make inferences about an individual’s diet and geographic
travel history...

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Food Has No Borders

Methodological Insights from the Forensic Isotopic Profile of a New York City Immigrant

Rhonda L. Quinn, Helen Alesbury, Ligia Ceja, Angela Soler, Linda Godfrey

73–84

Abstract

Isotopic analyses of human remains augment the biological profile with geolocation and dietary information, furthering efforts to identify...

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Using Real Interpretative Differences to Assess Inter-laboratory Isotopic Variability Due to Sample Preparation

Amelia J. Edwards, Lesley A. Chesson, Eric J. Bartelink, Thuan H. Chau, Gregory E. Berg

85–96

Abstract

Here we present a two-part study to assess isotope data comparability between two sample preparation laboratories, based on the concept of Real...

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Childhood and Adulthood Residency Prediction Using Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and Oxygen (δ18O) Isotopes for Unidentified Deceased Migrants Recovered in Southern Texas

Robyn T. Kramer, Eric J. Bartelink

97–117

Abstract

Strontium and oxygen isotope values are used in conjunction with a maximum likelihood assignment model to predict the childhood and adulthood...

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Spatial Distributions of Isotope Ratios in Tap Water, Hair, and Teeth from Latin America for Region-of- Origin Predictions of Unidentified Border Crossers

Saskia Ammer, Eric J. Bartelink, Jennifer Vollner, Bruce Anderson, Kate Spradley

118–130

Abstract

In this article, we present and summarize reference stable isotope data useful in the identification efforts of deceased undocumented border...

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Using Stable Nitrogen Isotope Ratios from Human Skeletal Muscle Tissue for Postmortem Interval (PMI) Estimation (Part 1)

Melanie Beasley, Julie Lesnik, Hayden McKee-Zech, Anielle Duncan

131–142

Abstract

Human skeletal muscle tissue was analyzed for stable nitrogen isotope analysis (δ15N) to test the applicability of changes...

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Using Stable Nitrogen Isotope Ratios from Human Skeletal Muscle Tissue for Postmortem Interval (PMI) Estimation (Part 2)

Melanie Beasley, Julie Lesnik, Hayden McKee-Zech, Anielle Duncan

143–154

Abstract

Fly larvae were analyzed for stable nitrogen isotope analysis (δ15N) to test if values can be used to predict season of...

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