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Microbiology of Death

NCJ Number
255739
Journal
Current Biology Volume: 26 Issue: 13 Dated: 2016
Author(s)
J. L. Metcalf; D. O. Carter; R. Knight
Date Published
2016
Annotation

This brief publication answers frequently asked questions about the microbiology of death.

Abstract

In this article, the authors answer several questions about the microbiology of death. The questions cover topics about what happens after a mammal dies, how mammalian decomposition is studies, what organs are involved in decomposition, where microbial decomposers come from, whether microbes can be used to estimate time of death, whether environment/season affect decomposition, and whether soil microbes provide clues about the burial or relocation of a body. Additional bibliographic information is also provided for those interested in further reading. (Published Abstract Provided)