Meet my friend Finch. He’s got one of the coolest (and possibly grisliest) jobs on the planet. As a forensic anthropologist, he is often called when human remains are found that are in an extreme state of decomposition. By analyzing these bodies and their graves, Finch is able to “talk” with the dead and find out important information about who they were and how they died. For more info about forensic anthropology, click here.If you have a question for Finch, submit it as a comment to this post. I will collect the questions and send them on to Finch, who will answer them in June (exact date TBD). You will find your answers on this blog, most likely in mid-June, so check back often for updates.
Today is the first day of my new “adventure”, namely Jillian Michaels’ Making the Cut program. I passed the fitness test with flying colors, receiving “excellent” in every category, which either means that I am in great shape for a woman my age (and in most cases, according to Jillian’s handy chart, a woman much younger) or that Jillian has really low standards. We’ll see how the month unfolds.
This couldn’t come soon enough. I’m still a healthy weight for my height, but I’m getting a little too close to the upper end of that zone for my liking. My pants are currently a tad tight from all the extra water I had to start drinking today, so that just adds to the bloated, gross feeling.
The meals haven’t been much to write about so far–scrambled eggs with veggies and a little Parmesan for breakfast, followed by a bun-less cheeseburger (homemade) and a non-starchy veggie salad for lunch, but I’m looking forward to dinner. Mmm, lamb chops. I’m also looking forward to my first Jillian-style workout, since I’ve never tried the majority of the exercises before. Frog push-ups, here I come!
Here’s a scenario for your friend:
Will the skeleton of a body that has not been moved stick together? Does cartilage rot like skin and muscles? Would you have an intact skeleton or just a pile of bones? (Bonus question: would a Manitoba winter interfere with determining how long a body has been dead?)
Thanks for the opportunity to ask.
Great questions! I will definitely pass them on.
You’re a brave and determined woman, Holli, writing and boxing. At least with boxing you get to punch back, ha ha.
Thanks so much, Susie! You’re a sweetheart. I’m flattered that you dropped by. 🙂
Thanks for this!
Can you tell me anything about bones of fetus & mother, mother murdered near term and buried in shallow tropical sea-side grave and uncovered forty years later. Will fetus bones survive? Is it possible to distinguish between bones of unborn fetus and that of infant in mother’s arms?
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Here’s my scenario. A soldier dies in a futuristic suit of powered armor and the military never recovers the body. The suit is completely moisture-sealed and has not been breached. There is airflow into the suit, but it passes through nuclear-biological-chemical filtration. The soldier himself is wearing synthetic cloth fatigues.
Thirty years later, someone finds and opens the suit. The suit has been in a standing position the whole time. What is the soldier’s state of decay? What does the body look and smell like? Is there residue left inside the suit?
Talk about an excellent opportunity. Thank you!
Wow, D! That question will certainly challenge our Finch (and he loves a challenge). Thanks for posting. I’ll send Finch all questions at the end of the month, and we should start getting answers in early June. Check back often, or follow me on Twitter (there’s a button on this page). I always tweet the topic of the day’s blog posts.
Thanks for the opportunity Holli I did meet your friend at Whodunit meeting. However had a couple of questions. I have forgotten how long it takes for the blow flies and maggots to show up,is it three days?
Also how long will it take for a body to decompose if packed in dry ice.
Jane Walker
Hi Jane,
Thanks for the questions! I’ll be sending them to Finch this week, so you should have your answer soon.
Take care. 🙂