University of Tennessee's Body Farm focuses on new work: Hidden graves and DNA changes
The world-famous Body Farm – part of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville – is getting federal funding to help police find hidden graves and study contaminated DNA.
The Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice awarded UT more than $580,000 in grants, it announced Dec. 4.
The research is meant to provide "information that will ultimately guide investigations, help solve cold cases, support prosecutions, and bring justice to victims and their families," National Institute of Justice Director Nancy La Vigne said in a press release.
With $351,078, the graves project will study ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic conductivity and magnetometry to determine which method is most accurate in helping police find hidden graves.
The DNA project will get $229,454 to research how DNA from dead cells affects the soil and forensic investigations using microbes. The center will use this research to improve tools like postmortem interval estimation and trace evidence analysis to get more accurate readings.
The Body Farm was established in 1987 by William M. Bass. The center focuses on research involving forensic investigations, human decomposition and skeletal remains. Students, researchers and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation use the center.
The National Institute of Justice has awarded more than $6.9 million in grants to UT since 2007.
"For more than three decades, the (Forensic Anthropology Center) has generated critical breakthroughs and improvements in forensics research and operations, solidifying its role in helping law enforcement cases and giving families closure," Deborah Crawford, UT's vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development, said in a press release. "Researchers at the FAC are harnessing the tools of cutting-edge science to address critical forensics challenges – showcasing the creativity and impact of UT Research and exemplifying the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership."
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee Body Farm research will help solve cold cases
