Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Clin Anat. 2011 Apr;24(3):372-80. doi: 10.1002/ca.21154.
The Anthropological Research Facility allows actualistic studies evaluating human decomposition to be conducted in a controlled, scientific setting. These studies have had significant ramifications for forensic investigations. Donated cadavers are used to study the precise nature and timing of decomposition events. More than 1,000 bodies have been donated, and more than 2,000 individuals are registered for donation on their death. Initial studies using cadavers focused on gross morphological changes of human decomposition, while more recent research has delved into biochemical analyses. This research has contributed to the accuracy of time since death estimations, which may be critical in criminal investigations. Furthermore, the donated cadavers contribute to the unprecedented diversity of the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection, which allows for a wide range of skeletal-based research. The continuous supply of human cadavers is essential for these research endeavors, and the Forensic Anthropology Center strives to ensure that donor wishes are fulfilled and to assure donors that their invaluable gift will serve the scientific community for years to come.
人类学研究设施允许在控制的、科学的环境中进行评估人类分解的现实研究。这些研究对法医学调查产生了重大影响。捐赠的尸体被用于研究分解事件的确切性质和时间。已经有超过 1000 具尸体被捐赠，并且有超过 2000 人在去世时登记捐赠。最初使用尸体的研究侧重于人体分解的宏观形态变化，而最近的研究则深入到了生化分析。这项研究有助于提高死亡时间估计的准确性，这在刑事调查中可能至关重要。此外，捐赠的尸体为威廉·M·巴斯捐赠骨骼收藏的前所未有的多样性做出了贡献，这使得基于骨骼的广泛研究成为可能。持续供应人体尸体对于这些研究至关重要，法医人类学中心努力确保满足捐赠者的意愿，并向捐赠者保证，他们宝贵的礼物将在未来多年为科学界服务。
