Down on the Body Farm: Inside the Dirty World of Forensic Science
Overview
Author: Monica Raymunt
Published in: The Atlantic, December 2, 2010
Focus: The development and significance of "body farms" in forensic science research.
Body Farms
Definition: Anthropological research facilities dedicated to the study of human decomposition.
Origin: Term coined from Patricia Cornwall's 1995 crime fiction novel.
Purpose: Provide controlled environments for research and technology development in forensic anthropology.
New Facility in Pennsylvania
Donation: John O'Laughlin donated a part of his 222-acre property.
Institution: California University of Pennsylvania's Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences.
Opening Date: Planned for 2011.
Significance: First body farm in the Northeast, fifth in the U.S.
Existing Body Farms in the U.S.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Western Carolina University, North Carolina
Texas State University, San Marcos
Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Research Importance
Geographic Variation: The new facility in Pennsylvania offers research opportunities in a different climate.
Climatic Factors: Precipitation, temperature, and humidity affect decomposition.
Regional Conditions: Differences noted between Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, and the new Pennsylvania site.
Sources of Cadavers
Medical Examiners: For unclaimed bodies.
Pre-Donors: Individuals who choose to donate their bodies for research.
Research and Training
Forensic Taphonomy: Study of processes affecting a body post-mortem.
Entomology: Study of insect interaction with decomposing bodies.
Animal Activity: Indicators of time since death (e.g., squirrels and rats).
Training Programs: Courses for criminal investigators and law enforcement.
National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
Funding: Supports forensic research projects using body farms.
Future Research: More study needed to support forensic casework.
Conclusion
Body farms are critical for advancing forensic anthropology and related sciences by allowing researchers to study decomposition under varied conditions. They provide essential data that aid criminal investigations and forensic casework.