The Smell of Death Could Become Forensic Tool

The smell of the dead is unique to human experience - as homicide detectives know, nothing else can be mistaken for that particularly pungent stench.

But scientists are still picking apart exactly what makes up that complex odor - and their progress could mean a whole new avenue of forensics to find bodies, determine time of death, and even identify people by a "smelly fingerprint."

Some 800 volatile organic compounds in decomposing pig bodies have been identified by scientists, including a team from the University of Huddlesfield in the United Kingdom. (Some 480 have been identified in human bodies). The list includes pleasant aromas found in freshly-mowed grass and also those in perfume scents, according to Anna Williams, a forensic anthropologist at the school and the leader of the team.

The discipline is...