New research published in Nature Microbiology reveals that all corpses share similarities in microbial networks regardless of their origin, as they contain bacteria and fungal decomposers essential to the natural world. The study, which involved burying 36 donated corpses in different locations, found that all samples featured the same selection of microbes, suggesting that insects could play a role in carrying these microbes to decomposing human and animal remains. This discovery sheds light on the intricate ecosystem of decomposition and its role in plant production.
Scientists have discovered that all corpses share similarities in microbial networks regardless of their origin, as revealed by new research published in Nature Microbiology. The study involved burying 36 donated corpses in different locations, all of which exhibited the same selection of microbes during decomposition. These microbes play a crucial role in the natural world by breaking down corpses and contributing to the "decomposition ecosystem."
A study has found a universal connection between decomposing human corpses, revealing a rare assembly of microbial decomposers that are consistently present regardless of burial location or environmental conditions. These microbes, rare in non-decomposition environments, may be transported by insects from one decomposing animal to the next. The study's findings could have implications for forensic science in determining time of death, as researchers were able to use a machine learning model to estimate the time of death based on the microbial timeline of decomposition.
