Richard,
This is part of a thread I have been working on with Shadowangel. I think it could certainly be helpful in identifying the area Mr. Bones was from. It seems the older the bones the more likely this method would be helpful. Will you pass this info on to your contact in PA.
(My post to Shadowangel)
I wonder how rare it is to use Strontium Isotope Analysis in helping to identifying older remains in cold cases. This is something new I have been studying.
Because dentition forms during childhood, the strontium found in tooth enamel will generally reflect where that individual was born and raised. In contrast, bones continue to absorb strontium, and can reveal where that individual spent the last years of his or her life. If the two differ, researchers can suggest that a person spent their childhood in one locale and migrated (or were taken) to another region later in life.
A combination of both methods, DNA & Strontium Isotope Analysis, would narrow the search area for identifying bodies. Once an area of probable residence was concluded then the state could be saturated with information on the missing person.
I am going to research institutions using this method in archeological digs. They may have a database and need more bodies to add to it. If LE and these institutions could hook up on some of the identified bodies it would certainly enhance their database and someday the DNA and SIA databases could work together to help identify bodies more quickly.
I will email: Kelly J. Knudson at Arizona State University and Dr. Drew Coleman at University of North Carolina concerning Strontium Isotope Analysis today.
I'll post any replies I receive.
(The next post will contain the responces I received)
