Body farm

A body farm, also known as a human taphonomy facility, is a research facility where human corpses are studied to observe the processes and rate of decomposition in a variety of conditions. These facilities are used to advance the understanding of forensic science, specifically in the field of forensic anthropology, entomology, and taphonomy.

The research conducted at body farms helps forensic scientists estimate the time since death (post-mortem interval, or PMI), identify the cause of death, and understand the various environmental factors that influence decomposition. Bodies are typically placed in different environments, such as buried in soil, left on the surface, submerged in water, or placed inside vehicles, to simulate different crime scene scenarios. Researchers document changes in the body over time, including stages of decay, insect activity, and skeletal remains.

Data collected from body farms are crucial for developing more accurate methods of determining time of death and interpreting evidence found at crime scenes. This research contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of forensic investigations and aiding in the identification of victims.

The ethical considerations surrounding the use of human remains are carefully addressed at body farms. Bodies are typically donated to science with the consent of the deceased or their legal next of kin. Facilities adhere to strict protocols and regulations to ensure the respectful handling of human remains throughout the research process.