Universities of Camerino and Macerata patent new death-dating method

The University of Camerino (Unicam) and the University of Macerata (Unimc) have jointly patented an innovative method to determine the time of death. The patent, titled ‘Method for determining an epoch of death of a corpse’, was granted by the Italian Patent and Trademark Office on May 25, 2026.

Developed by an interdisciplinary team of forensic doctors, a mathematician, and a computer engineer, the method improves upon traditional forensic techniques such as body cooling and rigor mortis, which date back to the early 20th century and can exhibit variability. The new approach focuses on the biochemical analysis of the vitreous humor—the clear liquid inside the eye. By measuring the changing concentration of specific ions, such as potassium, within this fluid, the method provides a more precise way to estimate the post-mortem interval.

The invention was officially presented at the Politeama in Tolentino, with participation from university rectors Graziano Leoni and John McCourt, as well as local officials.