Microbiology of Death

In this article, the authors answer several questions about the microbiology of death. The questions cover topics about what happens after a mammal dies, how mammalian decomposition is studies, what organs are involved in decomposition, where microbial decomposers come from, whether microbes can be used to estimate time of death, whether environment/season affect decomposition, and whether soil microbes provide clues about the burial or relocation of a body. Additional bibliographic information is also provided for those interested in further reading. (Published Abstract Provided)