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Editorial

The Role of Transformative Research in Forensic Medicine: Advancing the Understanding of Cause, Manner, and Time Since Death

Bhoopendra Singh

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Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 18(3):p 437-439, July-Sep 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.18325.1

How Cite This Article:

Singh B. The Role of Transformative Research in Forensic Medicine: Advancing the Understanding of Cause, Manner, and Time Since Death. Indian J Forensic Med Pathol. 2025;18(3):147-9.

Timeline

Received : August 12, 2025         Accepted : October 08, 2025          Published : September 30, 2025

Abstract

Forensic medicine plays a critical role in medico-legal investigations, particularly in determining the cause, manner, and time since death (TSD). In recent years, transformative research driven by interdisciplinary innovation and technological advancements has significantly enhanced forensic capabilities. Molecular autopsy, post-mortem imaging, and genomic profiling are revolutionizing cause-of-death analysis, while digital forensics, injury biomechanics, and AI-based assessments are improving accuracy in identifying the manner of death. Meanwhile, emerging tools such as microbial forensics, RNA degradation studies, and then atomicrobiomics offer new potential for precise TSD estimation. Despite these advancements, implementation in India faces challenges due to infrastructural, educational, and policy constraints. This editorial emphasizes the need for ethical integration of transformative research into practice and urges investment in forensic research infrastructure and training to meet the evolving demands of justice delivery in India and beyond.


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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.


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Cite this article

Singh B. The Role of Transformative Research in Forensic Medicine: Advancing the Understanding of Cause, Manner, and Time Since Death. Indian J Forensic Med Pathol. 2025;18(3):147-9.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



Received Accepted Published
August 12, 2025 October 08, 2025 September 30, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.18325.1

Keywords

Forensic MedicineCause of DeathManner of DeathTime Since DeathTransformative Research

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Received August 12, 2025
Accepted October 08, 2025
Published September 30, 2025

licence


Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



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