In this episode, Lynda and Cass explore the science of forensic entomology – the study of how insects and bugs interact with a cadaver. At times it sounds like something out of a horror movie, but it’s a vital part of many police investigations, giving clues as to time of death and whether a body might have been moved.

 

As Cass meets Dr Martin Hall in his lab at the Natural History Museum and gets hands-on with some maggots, Lynda recalls her first encounter with entomology at a murder scene. 

 

From extracting evidential DNA from insects that have drunk blood, to blow flies acting as sniffer dogs to help locate a corpse, forensic entomology is one of the most exciting, fast-moving and fascinating forensic disciplines. 

 

Over seven episodes, Lynda and Cass will investigate seven branches of forensics: discussing their own experiences, talking with experts, hearing how real life crime scenes are worked, exploring the latest innovations and demonstrating how CSI fact is even more thrilling than CSI fiction.

  

If you want to know what criminal investigation is like in real life, then get ready for a podcast that puts YOU at the crime scene. 

 Subscribe now!

 

 Discover more at: www.lyndalaplante.com/listening-to-the-dead/

You can read more about Martin’s work at the NHM here: www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/departments-and-staff/staff-directory/martin-hall.html

 

 

 Credits

 This podcast was made by Bonnier Books UK

 Director: Jon Watt

 Assistant Director: Laura Makela

 Producer: Chris Attaway

 Theme music: Game Over by Magic in the Other

 Interview music: Sweeney by Mike Relm