By Susan Cushing
Published in the February 2024 Issue of Memento Mori
As professionals in the deathcare industry, most of us have heard of body farms, also known as forensic anthropology research facilities. In fact, the term is now becoming widely recognized thanks to television programs like CSI, Bones, and other crime-based shows.
Essentially, these facilities are outdoor laboratories where researchers can study the decomposition of human remains in various environmental conditions. While body farms are not directly related to funeral services, they do represent an important aspect of forensic science and can provide invaluable information for death investigations.
As funeral directors, you may be asking, “So what do these farms have to do with me?” While body farms are not directly related to funeral services, the information gained from body farms can help identify victims and assist in legal proceedings. It is also important for funeral directors to be aware of the research currently being conducted on human decomposition, as it may impact the way certain remains are handled.
Research & Discovery
First established in the 1980s, body farms have become an essential tool for forensic scientists around the world. Typically, these outdoor laboratories are affiliated with universities or other research institutions. Here in the United States, there are currently seven sites, all of which are associated with premier universities.
Perhaps the most interesting and humorous genesis story of such facilities is the first one founded in 1981 by Dr. Bill Bass at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville(UTK). For more than a decade, the noted forensic anthropologist had been receiving requests for consultations from medical examiners throughout Tennessee. The good doctor was happy to oblige but wanted to do further research and needed a place to do it.
After an unfortunate encounter with a university janitor who happened to stumble upon the cadaver Bass had placed in a restroom near his office, he moved the project to a sow barn. Today, UTK is home to the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection, which has the distinction of being the largest and most comprehensive in the world.
Providing a wealth of information invaluable for various studies on biological profile (ancestry, age-at-death, and gender), occupation markers, pathologies, and trauma, this collection draws interest from around the globe.
Whether it was the macabre nature of such a program, an underappreciation for the information body farms can provide, or any number of other reasons, it took another 25 years before there was a second such facility. This one was created at Western Carolina University in 2006 and soon followed by Texas State University in 2008.
Later, Sam Houston State University, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Colorado Mesa University, and most recently, the University of South Florida would join this elite group. Currently, there’s talk of an additional two similar “outdoor laboratories” to come in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
A Wealth of Information
Critical for forensic investigations, the study of human decomposition can help determine time of death, cause of death, and assist in identifying victims. Forensic scientists also use body farms to test and improve new forensic methods, including the use of cadaver dogs and insects to locate human remains. Additionally, studying the decomposition process provides valuable insights into the effects of drugs, diseases, and bodily injuries.
“Actually, body farms serve a multitude of purposes,” notes Dr. Danny Westcott, director of the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility at Texas State University (FARF). “While we certainly are happy to share our knowledge and discoveries with law enforcement or the medical community, our program is primarily focused on research and education. The bodies are usually placed as part of a research project. How they are placed or buried depends completely on the research protocol that’s been assigned.”
Once that research project is completed, the body is used for training. “For example, if that body had been buried, we might use it for a course in excavation techniques,” says Wescott. “Once it’s done with that, the body is processed down to a skeleton, which is used for classes in bone anatomy.”
One thing is certain, there is nothing wasted. “We’ve had bodies that have probably been used in 30 or more studies,” adds Westcott.
Aid in Investigations
An integral part of the community, the forensic anthropologist recalls various times they have helped identify victims close to home. “Back in 2011, we had lake levels drop and they found a car with four teenagers that had been missing since around 1969. Apparently, they were driving home from a high school football game one night and seemingly just disappeared.”
Much of the work conducted on this Texas farm revolves around research focused on estimating post-mortem interval, cause of death, and other identifiers; however, the research here goes well beyond the surface applications viewed on crime shows. For instance, studying the complex ecosystem surrounding the area where a body is found and deciphering the interaction among various species. Add to that the study of vulture scavenging and assisting in the training of cadaver dogs as well as search and rescue teams.
“It was a pretty small program when I first arrived here,” says Westcott, “probably just a handful of bodies.” Located at Texas State’s Freeman Ranch, this 26-acre outdoor human decomposition research laboratory provides an enormous amount of interesting and helpful information, all the while inspiring young minds.
In addition to all his other duties, the professor is a one-man marketing team promoting this very important program. “I want them to know what’s happening. I might ask, ‘So, what do you think of all those bodies out there?’ As a result, more people donate. It used to be primarily law enforcement and educators, but over time the word has spread, and some groups offer it as an end-of-life option, and they talk about us. We keep growing year by year as more and more people realize this is a viable option.”
Government Oversight
It’s important to note that the use of human remains on body farms is carefully regulated by law, and researchers must follow strict ethical guidelines. All donations of human remains are voluntary, and the facilities must have proper permits and licenses. Most importantly, researchers take great care to treat donated remains with respect and dignity.
Susan Cushing is a regular contributor to Memento Mori magazine.
