Light-weight Analyzer for Buried Remains and Decomposition Odor Recognition

The human body liberates over 400 chemicals as we revert back to the dust from whence we came. These volatile organic compounds, amino acids, inorganic constituents, and noxious gases are released from a decaying body at specific time points and in specific ratios. This ‘chemical signature’ can uniquely characterize the state of decomposition. Built as an electronic sniffing tool, the “Light-weight Analyzer for Buried Remains and Decomposition Odor Recognition” (LABRADOR) locates and identifies buried human remains based on their chemical signature. The LABRADOR ‘sniffs’ the volatile compounds generated from these buried remains, and rather than barking, the instrument responds with visual and auditory cues to help pinpoint the hidden grave.

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