ANTHROP 3FA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Forensic Biology, Formaldehyde
9 Jan 2016
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Exposure to water: body will cool more rapidly because water is a good heat conductor. Doesnt just affect rate of decomposition; also affects appearence of bone. Also known as "grave wax" it is a waxy substance. A reaction of fatty regions of the body with the water, hydrogen, and bacterial enzymes, which creates fatty acids and soap. The process is called saponificaton) adipocere begins about a month after death o. Moving water: bones are smooth, rounded if in water. Eroded if water stained, barnacles, barnacle cement passes over/through. Body filled with formaldehyde and other substances through arteries and blood is removed. Puncture the stomach and remove all the organs, then add filling o. Estimating time since death (tsd) and the post-mortem interval (pmi) Time frame = several days - 1 year. Main job is to examine the life stages of insects. o o. Species present may indicate the season of death. species.
