The Forensic Significance of Tetracycline: Bones, Residues, and Blacklight Clues

Tetracycline, a widely used antibiotic since the mid-20th century, leaves behind more than just therapeutic effects. Its unique chemical affinity for calcium allows it to bind permanently to bones and teeth, creating fluorescent markers visible under ultraviolet light. These traces, preserved long after death, provide forensic scientists with valuable insights into medical history, lifestyle, and even sociological patterns. This article explores the forensic applications of tetracycline detection, from skeletal analysis to sociocultural interpretation.