Timing and Appearance of Postmortem Root Banding in Nonhuman Mammals, |
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Authors: | Adam H Richard MA Jack Hietpas PhD JoAnn Buscaglia PhD Keith L Monson PhD |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratory Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 4940 Fowler Road, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL, 35898;2. Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802;3. Laboratory Division, Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA, 22135;4. Laboratory Division, Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA, 22135Corresponding author: Keith L. Monson, Ph.D. E‐mail: |
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Abstract: | A study was undertaken using nonhuman mammal specimens to better understand environmental influences on postmortem hair root band (PMRB) formation and to see whether PMRBs would occur in nonhuman mammal hairs in a similar fashion to human hairs. Carcasses from surrounding roadways were the primary source of specimens for this study, augmented by donated deceased domestic pets. Sections of pelt from each specimen were placed in controlled environmental conditions while the remainder of the carcass was left in a secure outdoor setting. Hair samples were collected daily from outdoor and control specimens and examined for evidence of PMRBs. Several environmental factors were also recorded on a daily basis. Results demonstrate PMRBs can occur in nonhuman mammal hairs, and they have microscopic characteristics similar to human PMRBs. Factors found to correlate with PMRB formation include postmortem interval, temperature, pH, and the formation and subsequent volatilization of ammonia from the surrounding tissue. |
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Keywords: | forensic science trace evidence hair microscopy postmortem hair root banding decompositional changes to hair roots taphonomy decomposition postmortem changes death |
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