What happens to our bodies after we die?
By 
Rupali Dabas2025-04-28T08:58:00
The decay and decomposition of a human body may be unpleasant to consider, but it can be crucial in criminal justice. Rupali Dabas talks to the forensic scientists developing techniques that can sniff out the truth
It’s really difficult to hide a dead body. Decomposition leaves behind a wealth of forensic evidence – from organic compounds released by rotting corpses, to the distinct patterns of insect infestations. These tell-tale markers provide crucial insights for forensic scientists, helping them reconstruct the circumstances surrounding a person’s death. This field of study, known as forensic taphonomy, focuses on changes that bodies undergo after death and how they can help uncover vital clues to aid criminal investigations.
Understanding these stages of decomposition is more than just morbid curiosity. In some cases, an accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) can mean the difference between proving innocence and identifying the guilty. Advances in forensic science, such as detecting the VOCs released during decay, are refining PMI estimates, helping investigators pinpoint timelines with greater precision.