Metcalf_Carter_decomposing_pig_soils_18S

We recently showed that corpse-associated microbes provide a reliable clock of ecological succession that can be used to estimate post-mortem interval (PMI) accurately under laboratory conditions using a rodent model. In this update, we extend the work to larger mammals (swine) under field conditions. We demonstrate that this larger mammalian model also decomposes in a specific, reproducible fashion, and that soil-borne microbes contribute substantially to the gravesoil microbial community of the decomposing corpse. However, the effects on soil microbial communities are season-specific. The results suggest that the microbial clock of ecological succession may be useful in human forensic settings, although measurements at different times of year and under different soil conditions will be required in order to support decisions in the courtroom.