Applying muscle and skin to the bone requires computer tomography (CT) scans of actual living people, which acquire images showing where bones cast shadows onto the skull and record hard/soft tissue (bones and flesh) in a 3 dimensional, view. Using CT scans, data files record the shape of the skull as well as the tissue depth. Forensic anthropologist's knowledge is also utilised in choosing an appropriate form of CT scan. Any clothing found with the bones can provide a clothing size, which is useful, as it allows scientists to adjust any tissue depth measurements to account for obesity or thinness. Merging the two scans, the CT scan is applied to the digital scan of the skull, becoming two skulls on top of each other. At this stage of the process, the two skulls are different shapes. The computer program distorts the skulls' marks on both so they match each other and at the same time, distorting the facial tissue properties, creating a facial shape that resembles the victim.Article: http://www.assemblage.group.shef.ac.uk/1/evison.html
It is so impressive that technology allows scientists to do this. It must have an outstanding impact on their ability to identify bodies or skeletons. However, it does not seem to be as exact as DNA testing. How precise is this program? I wonder if it is able to take in account defining features such as scars or birthmarks. Although technology is impacted our daily life, it seems that all these new improvements have a very significant influence on forensic and crime.
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