2021 AMI Online Salon
Human bone proteins before and after decomposition
Project Details
- Entrant Name: Sarah Gluschitz
- Other Contributors: Jack Nelson
- Client: Dr. Hayley L. Mickleburgh and Dr. Noemi Procopio
- Copyright: Sarah Gluschitz and Jack Nelson, 2021
- Medium/software used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Maxon Cinema4D, Pixologic ZBrush, Redshift, Chimera
- Final presentation format: Journal Cover Illustration for: The Journal of Proteome Research
- Primary Audience: Scientists in the field of Proteomics, Forensic Anthropology, Archaeology, Bioarchaeology and Taphonomy
Project Description
This cover was created to show human bone proteins that have been identified as potential biomarkers to determine the accurate time between an individual’s death and the recovery of the remains (or post-mortem interval). This information is not only helpful in age-at-death estimation for medico-legal investigations, but also in the general field of forensic anthropology and archaeology. The illustrators created a beautiful, yet truthful picture of research with willed human body donations on Forensic Anthropology Research Facilities commonly known as body farms. Here researchers perform a large variety of studies on donors to broaden the knowledge of life and death, yet these activities are portrayed with negative connotations by the media, rather than with the dignity and humanity that the donors and scientists deserve. This illustration aims to spark curiosity in researchers across fields without tapping into the usual sensationalism and to give back a sense of peacefulness in death.
