What dead bodies can tell us.

( Rembrandt: The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp) 

  

  

From Rembrandt to Modern Forensics

In Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, we see the early fascination with the mysteries of the human body. Historically, criminal cases were solved primarily through eyewitness statements or physical weapons. However, the silent testimony of a body can often tell a much more accurate story.

Forensic science has made monumental strides over the last two centuries through ballistics, fingerprinting, and handwriting analysis. Yet, to truly understand the timeline of a crime, scientists needed to observe how the human body interacts with the environment after death. This necessity led to the creation of Forensic Anthropology Research Facilities, commonly known as "Body Farms."

What is a Body Farm?

A body farm is an open-air laboratory where students and forensic experts study the natural decomposition of human remains. By observing how a body becomes its own ecosystem, researchers can determine the precise stages of decay. This data is critical for law enforcement when attempting to solve cold cases or identify remains.

"The remains are observed over various periods. Students practice locating, collecting, and systematically removing remains from the site for laboratory analysis. Once the study is complete, the skeleton may be returned to the family for burial or added to the department’s permanent skeletal collection for ongoing education." — HowStuffWorks

The Role of the Expert

While a forensic pathologist typically determines the cause and manner of death, a forensic physical anthropologist steps in when remains are in advanced stages of decomposition. They are the experts at "reading" skeletal clues that the average eye might miss.. 

Where Do the Bodies Come From?

Most remains are donated by individuals who wish to contribute to science, much like donating one's body to a medical school.

According to the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, they have over 2,000 pre-donors on file. "We receive over 100 donations each year," says Dr. Richard L. Jantz, Professor Emeritus. "People see the value in the research we do for the justice system."

Currently, there are several major facilities across the United States, including:

• Tennessee: University of Tennessee at Knoxville

• North Carolina: Western Carolina University

• Texas: Texas State University (Freeman Ranch) and Sam Houston State University

• Pennsylvania: Specialized forensic institutes.

How These Laboratories Operate

These facilities are typically located in remote areas, far from urban centers, often on expansive university-owned ranches. The environments are carefully controlled to mimic potential crime scenes.

Research involves placing remains in various scenarios—such as in shallow graves or within vehicles—to monitor how nature takes its course. Scientists gather vital clues from:

• Entomology: Studying insect activity to determine time of death.

• Environmental Factors: How humidity, heat, or shade affect the rate of decay.

• Osteology: Analyzing how bones change over years of exposure.

Some remains are placed under protective cages to prevent interference from local wildlife, while others are left exposed to the elements. By recording every change—from the arrival of maggots to the eventual mineralization of bone—forensic teams build a database that helps identify victims of plane crashes, war crimes, and domestic violence.

" The bodies are placed in a variety of areas to mimic crime scenes. Some are buried in shallow graves, inside vehicles or even in a noose, and then left to rot while being monitored for decay.  

The researchers then let nature takes its course, gathering vital clues from insects, the decaying bones and odours. The facility, which has been regularly visited by police, prosecutors and coroners since the 1980s, is also used to help identify plane crash victims and those buried in mass war graves." 

-The daily mail-  

  

A Necessary Science

Is the work grim? To many, yes. But it is also profoundly necessary. By studying the "science of the deceased," these researchers provide the answers needed to bring closure to families and ensure that justice is served.