Alex Bear
The goal of the transdisciplinary research project Virtopsy is to integrate contemporary imaging tools into pathology and forensic medicine in order to supplement present examination procedures or perhaps provide substitutes. Our project is supported by three pillars: 3D surface scanning for body surface documentation, multislice computed tomography (MSCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for inside body visualization. In the past, three-dimensional surface scanning has produced outstanding outcomes for the 3D documentation of patterned injuries, objects of forensic relevance, and complete crime scenes. Using MSCT and/or MRI, the interior of corpses is imaged. Additionally, MRI can be used to examine surviving assault victims, particularly those who have choked, and it aids in seeing internal injuries that cannot be seen during a victim's exterior examination. These approaches enable re-examination of the corpse and the crime scene even decades after burial and release of the scene, in addition to providing the precision and three dimensionality that standard documentations lack. We think that forensic medicine will soon be improved by this virtual, non-invasive, or minimally invasive technique.