2016/03/17

INVERSE March 10, 2016: Bacteria Are a "Death Clock" That Can Help Forensic Scientists Solve Crimes

Every day, it seems, we learn more about the superpowers of bacteria. After decades of vilification, the tiny creatures of the planet can finally enjoy their moment in the sun. Microorganisms can cure disease, help us lose weight, and make our food delicious. Here’s another to add to the list: Bacteria can solve crimes.

Tissue sampling from dead humans and other mammals can provide a fairly accurate “death clock,” showing how long it has been since the time of death, a recent paper in Science describes.

When we die, our corpses are colonized pretty much right away by microbes. They set to work decomposing flesh and cycling nutrients back to the environment. “These microorganisms are metabolic specialists that convert proteins and lipids into foul-smelling compounds such as cadaverine, putrescine, and ammonia.” Gross.