A new UT study shows that human decomposition is much more variable than that of either pigs or rabbits. The finding could impact forensic court cases worldwide–particularly those that use rabbits and pigs as proxies for humans. Researchers at the UT Forensic Anthropology Center conducted the study at the Anthropology Research Facility, commonly known as the Body Farm.
Several international and national media outlets have highlighted the study, including Mental Floss, the United Kingdom-based Daily Mail, Forensic Magazine and Science Magazine. Locally, the Knoxville Mercury featured the research in this story. Dawnie Steadman, director of the Forensic Anthropology Center, interviewed with WATE-TV Channel 6 in studio to explain elements and findings of the study. Watch the story online.