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Forensic Sciences
Special Issues
Forensic Anthropology and Human Biological Variation: 2nd Edition
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Forensic Anthropology and Human Biological Variation: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Forensic Sciences (ISSN 2673-6756).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 May 2026 | Viewed by 2196

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Radoslav Beňuš

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak
Interests: forensic anthropology; paleopathology; bioarchaeology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to the 2nd edition of “Forensic Anthropology and Human Biological Variation”, following the success of the first volume: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/forensicsci/special_issues/PZ2PFIZL63.

Forensic anthropology is currently more than just an interdisciplinary science situated between forensic medicine and anthropology; it successfully addresses specific issues using the knowledge of human variability (e.g., reconstruction of height and weight; facial approximation and its ethnic specifics; estimation of biological age; forensic podiatry; and analysis of fingerprints, palm prints, lip prints, ear prints, and more). The aim of this Special Issue is to focus on just this area of forensic anthropology, but we also welcome interdisciplinary studies or studies dedicated to human variability applicable in forensic anthropology. We look forward to seeing how together we can contribute to this important and fascinating scientific discourse.

Dr. Radoslav Beňuš
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forensic Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • facial approximation
  • estimation of biological age
  • forensic podiatry
  • fingerprints and palm prints
  • cheiloscopy

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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20 pages, 1434 KB  
Article
Integrating Nasal Anthropometry with Multivariate Analyses to Examine Forensic Population Differentiation Between Malaysian and Indonesian Adults
by Muhammad Khairie Basjuri, Anita Zara Weinheimer, Muhammad Reza Amin Reza Adnan, Eddy Saputra Rohmatul Amin and Muhammad Jefri Mohd Yusof
Forensic Sci. 2026, 6(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci6010014 - 8 Feb 2026
Viewed by 857
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nasal morphology is an important craniofacial feature in forensic anthropology for examining population-level variation and informing biological profiling in living individuals. Despite genetic, historical, and cultural similarities between Malaysian and Indonesian populations, population-specific nasal anthropometric data remain limited. This study integrates nasal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nasal morphology is an important craniofacial feature in forensic anthropology for examining population-level variation and informing biological profiling in living individuals. Despite genetic, historical, and cultural similarities between Malaysian and Indonesian populations, population-specific nasal anthropometric data remain limited. This study integrates nasal anthropometry with multivariate analytical approaches to examine population- and sex-related variation in nasal morphology among Malaysian and Indonesian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional anthropometric study was conducted among Malaysian and Indonesian adults. Nasal breadth and nasal height were measured using standardised techniques, and the nasal index was calculated. Univariate analyses were performed to assess population- and sex-related differences. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and partial least squares (PLS), were applied to eleven nasal parameters and the nasal index to evaluate patterns of population differentiation. Results: Malaysian participants predominantly exhibited leptorrhine nasal types, whereas mesorrhine nasal types were more prevalent among Indonesian participants. Significant differences were observed in nasal height and nasal index between populations, while nasal breadth did not differ significantly. Sex-related variation was evident, with males generally exhibiting larger nasal dimensions and higher nasal indices than females. Multivariate analyses demonstrated clear population separation, with modelling indicating that population group contributed more strongly to morphological differentiation than sex. Conclusions: The findings provide population-specific soft-tissue nasal data for Malaysian and Indonesian groups and support the use of multivariate analytical frameworks in forensic anthropological research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Anthropology and Human Biological Variation: 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1701 KB  
Case Report
German Shepherd Predation of an Elderly Man: A Case Report
by Antonio Della Valle, Eleonora Lo Muzio, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Anna Paola Fabrocini and Maria Eleonora Bizzoca
Forensic Sci. 2026, 6(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci6010015 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 792
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Fatal attacks by domestic dogs, particularly against familiar owners, are rare but represent a significant forensic and public health concern. Understanding the dynamics and forensic features distinguishing predatory aggression from postmortem scavenging is essential, especially when cases involve [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Fatal attacks by domestic dogs, particularly against familiar owners, are rare but represent a significant forensic and public health concern. Understanding the dynamics and forensic features distinguishing predatory aggression from postmortem scavenging is essential, especially when cases involve large breeds and vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly. Case Presentation: An 82-year-old man was found dead in his home, presenting extensive mutilation of the head and neck. He lived with his daughter and her four-year-old male German Shepherd. The dog exhibited blood and tissue residues on its mouth, forelimbs, and abdomen. Autopsy findings indicated death due to hemorrhagic shock from deep cervical and facial vessel lacerations. There were no defense wounds or classic bite marks; however, massive excision of musculocutaneous tissue from the neck to the scalp suggested active predation rather than postmortem scavenging. The facial and cervical soft tissues were completely avulsed, exposing deep anatomical structures and causing the loss of the right eye and dental elements. No signs of third-party involvement, intrusion, or external aggression were identified, and the dog appeared healthy and unrestrained. Conclusions: The findings support the theory of a fatal attack by the household German Shepherd occurring shortly after the victim’s meal. This case underscores the potential for lethal aggression in domestic dogs toward familiar humans, even in the absence of provocation or prior behavioral concerns. It highlights the importance of awareness and preventive measures when managing large, powerful dog breeds in environments with elderly or otherwise vulnerable individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Anthropology and Human Biological Variation: 2nd Edition)
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