A “Body Farm” is a specialized outdoor research facility where the natural processes of human decomposition are studied under various environmental conditions. These sites allow scientists to observe how bodies change after death, providing data that aids in forensic investigations. The primary purpose is to understand factors influencing decomposition, which can then be applied to criminal cases.
The Visionary: Dr. William M. Bass
The concept of a dedicated facility for studying human decomposition originated with Dr. William M. Bass, a pioneering forensic anthropologist. Dr. Bass became head of the anthropology department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1971 and also served as Tennessee’s official state forensic anthropologist. He was frequently consulted by law enforcement and medical examiners regarding cases involving decomposed human remains.
Dr. Bass recognized a significant gap in scientific understanding regarding human decomposition rates, especially concerning environmental factors. An incident highlighted this deficiency when he mistakenly estimated the time since death of a body, believing it to be recent, only for it to be identified as a Civil War soldier. This experience underscored the need for empirical data to accurately determine the postmortem interval in forensic contexts.
Establishing the Research Facility
To address this knowledge gap, Dr. Bass established the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility, commonly known as the “Body Farm.” The facility officially began operations in May 1981, receiving its first donated human body. Located on a 2.5-acre wooded plot near the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, it was the first outdoor laboratory of its kind globally.
The goal was to systematically study human decomposition in various outdoor settings. Researchers observed how factors like temperature, humidity, insect activity, and burial conditions affected the decay process. This unique environment allowed for a more scientific approach to understanding postmortem changes.
Groundbreaking Forensic Studies
Research at the Body Farm yielded insights into human decomposition. Scientists documented decomposition rates, insect colonization, and the impact of diverse environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, shade, water, or being enclosed in specific containers like car trunks. These studies provided data on how human remains interact with their surroundings.
Findings from this research aided law enforcement and forensic investigators. By understanding decay patterns and associated biological activity, forensic anthropologists could more accurately estimate the time since death in criminal investigations. This knowledge also helped interpret crime scenes, identify if a body had been moved, and distinguish between natural postmortem changes and perimortem trauma.
Enduring Influence on Forensic Science
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropological Research Facility influenced forensic science, becoming a model for similar decomposition research facilities worldwide. Other “body farms” have since been established across the United States and in other countries, contributing to a broader understanding of decomposition in diverse climates.
Research from the Body Farm continues to be used by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists for training and casework. Its contributions extend to advanced scientific studies, including DNA degradation, proteomics, and microbial analysis, solidifying its legacy in forensic science research.