Hello. I'm doing a science project (isef) with a friend and we're studying decay.

So far we have a lot of backround information and we have our ideas, and we have submited our research report, but we still need advice from someone who is in forensics.

Here is a copy of our research plan :



Research plan
The effect of air conditions on decomposing of meat

Question-Will the condition of air affect decomposing meat?

Hypothesis- if decomposion requires bacteria to work, and if bodies stop decomposing because of certain air conditions (extreme heat, dryness, or extreme cold) then a decomposing body would stop decomposing in front of an air conditioner because the air coming from an air conditioner is very cold, and it would stop the bacteria that causes decomposion.

Procedure-
Materials needed-
11 steaks (or some sort of meat that closely resembles human flesh) the extra is just in case of error
3 fans (or small air conditioners if it is possible to get them)
6 plastic or glass containers
An empty room with a constant room temperature
6 thermometers
Salts (preferably rock or sea salt)
Thin strips of cloth

Steps
1. Prepare the boxes and the steaks (Wash hands thoroughly after dealing with steaks)
a. 3 of the boxes with the air conditioners, 3 of which without
b. Rub salt into 2 of the steaks
c. Leave 2 steaks alone
d. Wrap the last 2 steaks up in the cloth
2. Check on the steaks periodically through out the decided time and record the temperature, amount of maggots (if any), and any other observations with the meat.
3. Dispose of the meat by means of either a “toxic waste bin” or by burying them.
a. Use some sort of anti-bacterial cleaner or air spray around the room



If you have any advice Please tell me.

Thank you,

ogihci

I am not a forensic specialist, just a little ole nursing student. But I can tell you that an air conditioner will not stop decomposition, but merely slow it down a little depending on the temperature the thermostat is set at.

For decomposition to stop, temperatures need to be well below freezing. Extreme heat will increase decomposition as it is heat that bacteria thrives on. Moisture of the air will also affect decomposition, the drier the air, the slower the decomposition, the more humid air = faster decomposition.

Your hypothesis would be incorrect, as air conditioners do not get cold enough to put the bacteria that causes decomposition into a state of permanent hibernation.