A forensic anthropology research facility, often called a “body farm,” serves a unique purpose in scientific study. These specialized outdoor laboratories are dedicated to understanding the processes of human decomposition under various environmental conditions. By observing how human remains break down, researchers gather data vital for advancing forensic science. This knowledge aids law enforcement in estimating time since death, identifying remains, and reconstructing crime scenes.
Current Number and Locations
Currently, there are eight such facilities operating across the United States, all affiliated with universities or research institutions. The pioneering facility, the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility, was established in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1971. Following this initial center, others were developed to study decomposition in diverse climates and geographical settings.
The other seven facilities include the Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST) at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Texas State’s facility, at 26 acres, is notable as the largest of its kind globally. Additionally, the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS) is located at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
Further facilities include the Complex for Forensic Anthropology Research (CFAR) at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and the Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS) at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. The University of South Florida hosts the Florida Institute for Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science (IFAAS) in Tampa, Florida. The Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST) at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, is unique as the first northern latitude facility, allowing research into decomposition in cold and snowy conditions.
Research Conducted
Research at these facilities focuses on how various factors influence decomposition. Scientists study the stages of decomposition, from initial soft tissue breakdown to skeletonization. This includes observing how temperature, humidity, sunlight, and type of soil affect the rate and patterns of decay. For instance, warmer, humid environments generally accelerate decomposition, while colder conditions can slow it significantly.
Another area of study involves forensic entomology, examining insects attracted to a body at different decomposition stages. The presence and life cycles of insect species can provide clues for estimating the post-mortem interval. Researchers also investigate the impact of scavengers, such as vultures, on human remains, which can alter the appearance of a body and potentially obscure evidence. This research also encompasses the effects of different burial depths, clothing, and whether a body has been submerged in water or left exposed.
The practical applications of this research directly assist criminal investigations. Data collected helps forensic anthropologists and law enforcement determine when a death occurred, whether a body was moved after death, and if any injuries or trauma influenced decomposition. Facilities also provide specialized training for law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in techniques for locating and recovering human remains in diverse outdoor settings. Studies also examine changes in soil and vegetation beneath a decomposing body, offering further indicators for locating remains and estimating time since death.
Donating to Forensic Research
These research facilities rely on voluntary anatomical donations for their studies. Individuals can donate their bodies for forensic research, contributing to scientific advancement and crime-solving efforts. The process typically involves preregistering with a chosen facility, including consent forms and a medical history.
Upon the donor’s death, their family or next of kin contacts the facility or a designated funeral home to arrange transportation. While the donation generally incurs no cost, transportation fees may apply if the death occurs outside a certain radius. Donors can still be organ or tissue donors, though skeletal tissue donation is typically not permitted. The remains are then used for research and training, with many facilities curating skeletonized remains into permanent collections for ongoing study.