Museum of Science and Industry

There are many ways for scientists to identify if human remains are male or female, even when there are only bones left. For example, general size and strength of the bones can be analyzed, the skull can give clues, and the angle between bones in the hips is significant. Researchers from North Carolina State University have now found that even the feet can help!

By measuring and comparing seven tarsal bones, the researchers were able to determine the sex of a skeleton with over 90% accuracy. Pretty cool, since complete skeletons are not always available or may be damaged. This finding can be helpful to forensic investigators, as well as archaeologists and forensic anthropologists!

Foot Bones Allow Researchers to Determine Sex of Skeletal Remains [Science Daily] 

Image: North Carolina State University