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An electronic body-tracking dog?
C Hädrich1, C Ortmann, R Reisch
1Institute for Legal Medicine, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. Carsten.Haedrich@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|March 27, 2009
Summary
Researchers explored using electronic noses to detect buried human remains, similar to how tracker dogs identify scent patterns. This study suggests the potential for developing an "electronic body-tracking dog" for forensic applications.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Tracker dogs are the primary method for locating hidden bodies, relying on scent pattern recognition.
- Electronic noses (e-noses) offer potential for detecting and comparing complex scent patterns.
- Sensitive scent detectors are established in food, environmental, and material analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using electronic sensors for detecting buried human remains in outdoor environments.
- To compare scent profiles of buried carcasses with control samples over time.
Main Methods:
- Burying rabbit carcasses (coneys) in soil at varying depths.
- Conducting regular scent measurements over a 4-week period.
- Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for scent analysis and pattern "fingerprinting".
Main Results:
- Demonstrated distinct scent patterns emanating from buried carcasses.
- Collected time-series data on scent evolution from decomposing organic matter.
- GC-MS analysis provided detailed chemical profiles of the detected scents.
Conclusions:
- Electronic sensors show promise for detecting buried human remains.
- The study supports the viability of developing an "electronic body-tracking dog" system.
- This technology could offer a novel tool for forensic investigations.
