A “Body Farm,” more formally known as a human taphonomy facility or an anthropological research facility, is an outdoor research laboratory where scientists study the decomposition of human remains under various environmental conditions. These facilities advance forensic science by providing insights into post-mortem changes. The research aims to develop a deeper understanding of the decomposition process, invaluable for forensic investigations and identifying human remains. The first such facility was founded in 1972 by Dr. William M. Bass at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Understanding Decomposition Research
Researchers at human taphonomy facilities study factors influencing how a body decomposes. Climate and temperature are major determinants; higher temperatures accelerate decomposition, while colder temperatures slow it. Humidity also influences the rate, with humid environments speeding up decay and affecting adipocere formation.
Soil type is another variable. Different soil compositions (sandy, clayey, loamy) affect decomposition rates due to moisture retention and microbial activity. Soils rich in microorganisms and organic matter (e.g., compost) can accelerate decomposition. Burial depth is also examined, as deeper burials (over one foot) may reduce insect colonization.
Forensic entomology, the study of insect activity, is a major focus. Different insect species are attracted at specific decay stages; studying their life cycles and succession provides insights into the time since death. Blow flies, for example, are often among the first insects to arrive, laying eggs within minutes of death. Scavenging animals (coyotes, raccoons, rodents) can alter remains by disarticulating and scattering body parts, impacting decomposition and complicating analysis.
Other variables include clothing (affecting heat retention and insect access) and exposure to sunlight or shade. Pre-death body condition, including medications and health, also influences decomposition. Research also extends to submerged bodies, where depth, temperature, currents, and dissolved oxygen affect the process.
Enhancing Forensic Investigations
Findings from human taphonomy facilities improve forensic analysis in criminal investigations. A key application is more accurate estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI), or time since death. Understanding how environmental factors and biological agents affect decomposition rates allows forensic anthropologists to provide precise timelines.
Research aids in identifying human remains, especially skeletal elements. Scientists develop methods to determine age, sex, stature, and ancestry from skeletal remains, crucial for linking unidentified bodies to missing persons. These facilities also allow study of post-mortem trauma patterns, differentiating injuries sustained before death from those occurring during or after decomposition.
Research also aids in distinguishing natural from criminal circumstances of death, as specific decomposition patterns provide clues about how a person died. Understanding how environments alter remains can help determine if a body was moved from its original death site. Training is another aspect, with facilities serving as grounds for forensic anthropologists, law enforcement, and other forensic professionals. They gain hands-on experience in crime scene processing, clandestine burial excavation, and recovery of human remains while preserving evidence.
Managing Facilities and Donations
Human taphonomy facilities operate under strict ethical guidelines, often affiliated with universities. They maintain rigorous protocols for respectful treatment of donated human remains. Bodies for research are primarily acquired through willed body programs, where individuals consent to donate their remains before death. Medical examiners may also provide unidentified bodies or those with no next of kin.
Ethical considerations are paramount, with informed consent being a cornerstone of the donation process. Facilities implement stringent security measures and limit public access to maintain research integrity and privacy of remains. These facilities are not open for general tours but offer professional training for law enforcement and forensic specialists.