Decomposition under the microscope

Lara Indra photographically documenting an animal cadaver. Attached to the tree trunk and behind the researcher are camera traps; an insect trap is positioned to the left. Image: Sandra Lösch (Dept. of Anthropology, IRM, University of Bern) - Researchers at the University of Bern have investigated the process of decomposition on pig carcasses left in nature. The researchers discovered that the previous standard method for assessing decomposition in Switzerland needs to be adapted - with an impact on forensic analysis. The method presented by the researchers aims to better determine the post-mortem interval. A dead body decomposes with the help of various organisms - such as intestinal bacteria, flies, maggots and beetles.