The injury pattern to children involved in lethal traffic accidents in Berlin.

A statistical investigation of causes of death of children in Berlin, as well as in the rest of Germany shows, that 'accidents' are the most frequent causes of death in children. Nearly 50% of all child fatalities (0-15 years old) are due to traffic accidents. The reports of 30 children (19 boys, 11 girls) that were investigated in one of the three Institutes of Legal Medicine in Berlin over a period of 5 years were studied.

Bone finds: a challenge to forensic science.

The study presented here is based on 176 forensic dental reports compiled between 1993 and 2001. The bulk of the research took place in 1997, when major construction at Potsdamer Platz and Lehrter Bahnhof in central Berlin required the excavation of considerable quantities of earth. As building proceeded here, at 'Europe's biggest construction site', it revealed not only a large number of long bones, but also a great many skulls and skull fragments.

[Bioterrorism--also a challenge for forensic medicine?].

In view of current events the question is discussed to what extent the risk of bioterrorism may be an issue relevant for forensic medicine also in Germany, although at present there seems to be no concrete threat. The cases which became known so far were either false alarms or foolish pranks (copycats), which have to be, and are indeed, prosecuted by the state (section 126 German Criminal Code). Reference is also made to the measures of disinfection recommended by the Robert Koch Institute.