![Microbial breakdown, facilitated by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, plays a pivotal role in decomposing organic matter. (Image by Thomas Breher on Pixabay)](https://bright-giant.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bone-300x100.jpg)
SIRIUS on the body farm: Investigating microbial decomposers
Microbial decomposers break down human remains, recycling nutrients and influencing ecosystem dynamics. Is there a universal microbial decomposer network that assembles in response to mammalian remains? How does the network and the cadaver-derived nutrient pool change during the decomposition process and can this microbial community change be used for predicting time since death for forensic purposes?