BoneID is a visual guide for forensic anthropologists, law enforcement, naturalists, and the simply curious. This site’s extensive and easy-to-use database will help you identify bones from many common species regardless of your academic training.” The need for an online osteological database became apparent due to the overwhelming amount of faunal material– mistaken to be…
Read MoreThis year a law goes in effect in California that will require Coroners and Medical Examiners to record the gender the deceased ‘wants to be’ rather than what the actual physiologic gender is. Many other states will likely follow. This means the deceased can have an intact penis proudly displayed under his skirt and still…
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Technology has advanced the ease and quality of life immeasurably. Smartphones are handheld computers that can surf the internet; deliver emails, texts, and phone calls; take videos and pictures; make dinner reservations and track your every movement through various apps. Our cars can almost drive themselves with lane change warnings; infrared cameras; heads-up displays, cruise…
Read MoreHave you ever had to do a removal from a tight space or crowded house. Cots wont’ fit and back boards get heavy. In this episode I introduce you to a better way. The WauK® board is lighter and narrower than standard cots. With a 500‑pound capacity, this lightweight 30‑pound tool gives funeral directors and coroners…
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This episode is a recording of a live Q and A session that was held for the MLDI online Academy. It’s interesting because we are able to talk with Anita Brooks on the topic of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Conflict Resolution, and culture issues. Joining us are two Academy students who participate in the discussion. Five…
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A decomposing body goes through four stages: autolysis, bloat, active decay, and skeletonization. During the second stage, trapped gases that are generated primarily by bacteria in the intestinal tract begin to build up and release odors. “A dead body, specifically a human corpse has a rank and pungent smell mixed with a tinge of sickening sweetness. Imagine a rotting piece of meat with a…
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New York updates Coroner Standards A new law signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday requires elected county coroners across the state to complete medical-legal investigation courses prior to taking office. This makes New York the 17th state to require training for coroners, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while…
Read MoreHow Does a Heroin Overdose Kill? Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs in the world, and thousands will die every year from a heroin overdose. Used for centuries for anything from a cough to pain relief, the potential for addiction and death was not fully realized until 1900. Heroin was made illegal in…
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Soaring numbers of overdose deaths are adding to woes already plaguing medical examiner and coroner offices, resulting in a shortage of places to store bodies and long delays in autopsies and toxicology testing. The Connecticut medical examiner’s office has considered renting a refrigerated truck to store extra bodies because its storage area has neared capacity…
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As death investigators, a time will come when you must work a death related to a structure fire. You have a job to do and evidence needs to be secured and protected. However, in these circumstances command and access issues can arise and “egos” can disrupt the calm flow of an investigation. One way, and…
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