Episode 9: Diatoms and Drowning

The Dopamine and Dandelions Podcast

You find a body in a river. Decomposition is advanced. How can forensic investigators determine whether the victim drowned right there or was murdered and dumped there? Is the diatom test a reliable way to convict or acquit someone in a court of law? Enter the beautiful kaleidoscope world of these tiny algae and how they might be able to assist in murder investigations. Instagram and Twitter: @murdermedpod Email: [email protected] Blog: murderandmedicinepodcast.blogspot.com Logo images courtesy of Canva - Collaborate and Create Amazing Graphic Design for FREE! Canva.com Episode Sources: Ago, K., et al. (2011). The number of diatoms from the lungs and other organs in drowning deaths in bathwater. (Legal Medicine). Anand, T.P., et al. (2016). Diatom test: a reliable tool to assess death by drowning? (International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences). Horton, B.P. (2006). The development and application of a diatom-based quantitative reconstruction technique in forensic science. (Journal of Forensic Science). Hurlimann, J., et al. (2000). Diatom detection in the diagnosis of death by drowning (International Journal of Legal Medicine). Magni, P.A., et al., (2015). Alibi verification using diatoms (American Academy for Forensic Sciences - Florida). Rana, A, et al. (2018) Significance of diatoms in diagnosis of drowning deaths: A review (Lupine Publishers) Diatoms.org Forensicreader.com Indianexpress.com Tandfonline.com Deepseanews.com Livescience.com Popsci.com Mccrone.com Labroots.com Condor.depaul.edu Wikipedia Inspired by National Geographic’s article https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/this-man-drowned-5000-years-ago-how-do-we-know