Natural Mummification in Human Carcasses and Analogues in a Temperate Australian Environment

Deo, Alisha

Natural Mummification in Human Carcasses and Analogues in a Temperate Australian Environment

Deo, Alisha

Permalink

Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2023

Open Access

Copyright Clearance Process

Recently Added
In Progress
Open Access

This item is open access.

Adobe PDF

Download thesisAdobe PDF (13.4 MB)

View statistics

Full metadata record

Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Deo, Alisha
dc.date.accessioned	2024-04-22T02:47:47Z
dc.date.available	2024-04-22T02:47:47Z
dc.date.issued	2023
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/178162
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Science.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	This thesis explores the phenomenon of natural mummification during the decomposition of human and pig bodies, focusing on visual and lipid characteristics. Traditional decomposition stages are inhibited in natural mummification, making it challenging to stage decomposing bodies. The research employed gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to analyse the lipid profile in naturally mummifying skin and tissue. The study, conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), investigated four deceased humans, and compared seasonal trials of pig versus human skin and tissue in summer and winter. Both species exhibited natural mummification, but visual differences were observed in the staging of decomposition and onset of mummification. Skin preservation occurred in humans due to natural mummification, while pigs did not display this phenomenon. Significant distinctions in lipid profiles between humans and pigs were identified, emphasising the biochemical differences in natural mummification. Human studies indicated that all subjects underwent natural mummification, independent of seasonal placement. The initial signs were observed between 150-250 accumulated degree days (ADD). Natural mummification predominantly affected the skin matrix due to its surface-level impact, sparing the tissue matrix. Lipid analysis revealed seasonal variability, with myristic acid showing a positive correlation with naturally mummified skin. Myristic acid's anti-virulent and anti-microbial properties were linked to inhibiting fungal and bacterial activity, preserving the skin and promoting natural mummification. The research established the unsuitability of pigs as human analogues for studying natural mummification, both visually and at a lipid level. The findings contribute to predicting natural mummification in different temperature environments, potentially enhancing visual interpretation and staging techniques. Moreover, the research aids in more accurate time-since-death estimations, with implications for forensic investigations involving skin and tissue. In conclusion, this project's findings underscore the importance of considering species-specific differences in natural mummification. The use of myristic acid as a potential biomarker opens avenues for improved forensic investigations, benefiting both archaeological and non-archaeological cases. These insights enhance our understanding of natural mummification, guiding future forensic studies and reinforcing the relevance of lipid analysis in forensic science.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/178162/1/thesis.pdf
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2023 Alisha Deo
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/cph
dc.title	Natural Mummification in Human Carcasses and Analogues in a Temperate Australian Environment	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

This thesis explores the phenomenon of natural mummification during the decomposition of human and pig bodies, focusing on visual and lipid characteristics. Traditional decomposition stages are inhibited in natural mummification, making it challenging to stage decomposing bodies. The research employed gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to analyse the lipid profile in naturally mummifying skin and tissue. The study, conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), investigated four deceased humans, and compared seasonal trials of pig versus human skin and tissue in summer and winter. Both species exhibited natural mummification, but visual differences were observed in the staging of decomposition and onset of mummification. Skin preservation occurred in humans due to natural mummification, while pigs did not display this phenomenon. Significant distinctions in lipid profiles between humans and pigs were identified, emphasising the biochemical differences in natural mummification. Human studies indicated that all subjects underwent natural mummification, independent of seasonal placement. The initial signs were observed between 150-250 accumulated degree days (ADD). Natural mummification predominantly affected the skin matrix due to its surface-level impact, sparing the tissue matrix. Lipid analysis revealed seasonal variability, with myristic acid showing a positive correlation with naturally mummified skin. Myristic acid's anti-virulent and anti-microbial properties were linked to inhibiting fungal and bacterial activity, preserving the skin and promoting natural mummification. The research established the unsuitability of pigs as human analogues for studying natural mummification, both visually and at a lipid level. The findings contribute to predicting natural mummification in different temperature environments, potentially enhancing visual interpretation and staging techniques. Moreover, the research aids in more accurate time-since-death estimations, with implications for forensic investigations involving skin and tissue. In conclusion, this project's findings underscore the importance of considering species-specific differences in natural mummification. The use of myristic acid as a potential biomarker opens avenues for improved forensic investigations, benefiting both archaeological and non-archaeological cases. These insights enhance our understanding of natural mummification, guiding future forensic studies and reinforcing the relevance of lipid analysis in forensic science.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/178162