At A Body Farm In Texas, There Lies The Scattered Remains Of Dozens Of Humans, Decomposing For The Sake Of Science
Scattered across the ground at a “body farm” are the remains of humans, just flesh casually rotting from the bones. There are dozens of bodies, as well as random organs and limbs strewn about.
You might be wondering what happened for such a morbid scene to have taken place. Don’t worry; these bodies were not victims of a horrifying mass murder. They are actually there at the body farm for science.
The body farm is officially known as the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF). The outdoor research lab is reserved for the study of the decomposition of human bodies.
It is 26 acres and is located at Freeman Ranch at the Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. It is also the largest of its kind in the world.
The facility is just one of several body farms in the United States. The first body farm was established by Dr. William Bass at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1981.
The idea stemmed from the need to better estimate post-mortem interval in forensic science, which refers to the time elapsed after death.
These studies have helped provide valuable information that has been used to improve criminal investigations. Other notable body farms are located at Western Carolina University and Sam Houston State University.
At Freeman Ranch, there are about 50 donated bodies. The bodies are placed in different environments to simulate a variety of scenarios.
Some cadavers are stored in cages for the study of bacterial decomposition, while others lay out in the sun so researchers can monitor the effects of scavenging.
Kitreel – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
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Forensic anthropology students, researchers, and law enforcement officials analyze the corpses to gain more knowledge of human decay.
They document the changes in bone and tissue, the presence of insects, and environmental factors that influence decomposition.
The lab has been open since 2008. So far, the remains of 650 individuals have been evaluated. Another 1,000 people who are still alive have signed up to donate their bodies for scientific research in the future after their passing.
The use of human bodies in research is highly regulated. The ethical operation of body farms depends on the consent of donors or their families. Bodies are treated with respect and are used for the sole purpose of advancing scientific knowledge.
On occasion, FARF offers tours and educational programs to the public to increase understanding of forensic science and why body donation is so important for research. Additionally, the facility is a cheap and sustainable alternative to funerary and burial expenses.
Overall, body farms are crucial for forensic science, providing an invaluable resource that aids in solving crimes.
If you are interested in supporting the mission of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, you can make a donation on their website.
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