The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective

The laboratory was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant.

Jiang An and Zhou Yong stood in front of the forensic examination table, their expressions unusually solemn.

They were about to immediately conduct research on the time of death in skeletonized bodies.

This not only pertained to the progress of the case investigation, but could also pioneer new methods in the field of forensic science.

Zhou Yong took off his glasses and wiped the lenses with his clothing, a small gesture he made when nervous.

After putting his glasses back on, he turned and said, ”Captain Jiang An, regarding this research on the time of death in skeletonized bodies, I’ve only seen related papers in academic journals, never practiced it.”

As he spoke, the corner of his mouth involuntarily twitched, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, making him look a bit awkward.

The two forensic assistants beside him also put down their tools, and the young Li adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, hesitantly saying, ”Yeah, this method of deduction, I remember, is only in the research stage.”

”Even the provincial forensic center hasn’t officially adopted it yet.”

”If we use it now, can we find accurate results?”

In the corner, Wan and Zhang Yean exchanged a worried glance.

This was also their first encounter with deducing the time of death for skeletonized bodies.

Wan walked over and tugged on Jiang An’s shoulder, speaking in a low voice, ”Mr. Jiang, should we play it safe?”

”This case is highly valued by the higher-ups.”

”If we can’t figure it out or if we make a mistake, wouldn’t we be turning all our previous efforts to waste?”

”Our earlier work was recognized by many.”

Zhang Yean gave Jiang An several looks, signaling that he must strive for steady victory and not be rash.

However, Jiang An appeared full of confidence.

He looked around at everyone, a determined smile on his face.

”Trust me.”

Then he walked over to Zhou Yong and patted the seasoned forensic expert on the shoulder.

”Mr. Zhou, this deduction of the time of death for skeletonized bodies is indeed still in the research stage.”

”But isn’t science supposed to progress through practice?”

”In fact, the principle of deduction is quite clear. It’s about conducting a quantitative study of the degree of skeletonization based on mathematical models built on our local unique climatic conditions, such as humidity, sunlight, temperature, and so on.”

He walked to the dissection table, put on rubber gloves, and gently picked up a piece of bone.

”The focus is on studying the process of human skeletonization and the special drying changes of bones under natural conditions.”

After a brief pause, Jiang An said, ”I think this research not only directly aids this case but also holds significant academic value.”

Hearing Jiang An’s professional analysis, Zhou Yong’s tightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed.

He smiled slightly, saying, ”Captain Jiang, this theory sounds simple, but in practical operation...”

He shook his head, ”The key is that we’ve never done this before, and there isn’t even a standard operating procedure.”

Jiang An replied with a smile, ”No problem, Mr. Zhou, everything has a first time.”

”When DNA testing technology first emerged, it also moved from the lab to real-world application.”

He looked around at everyone, ”If we succeed, it could not only provide crucial evidence for solving the case but possibly inaugurate a brand new method of forensic identification.”

”Alternatively, even if the results aren’t satisfactory, at least it’s a valuable attempt.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yong’s previously tense shoulders relaxed.

He smiled and shook his head, ”Captain Jiang, your optimism is truly...”

He paused and suddenly grinned, ”But after you said all that, I am indeed a bit eager to try it now!”

The two young forensic assistants also relaxed their tightly clenched fists, starting to quietly discuss the experimental details.

Seeing the team’s rekindled enthusiasm, Jiang An seized the moment and encouraged, ”Okay, let’s get started.”

”Mr. Zhou, please help prepare the high-magnification electron microscope, preferably one with screen imaging capability.”

”Additionally, we need precision grinding equipment; I need to make cross-section samples of the bones.”

He walked to the computer, ”Most importantly, I need the complete climate data of Jiangcheng for the past five years, including daily temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and other detailed parameters.”

”Five years? Such a long time span?”

Zhou Yong asked with a surprised look, ”I understand short-term data isn’t statistically significant, but isn’t five years too long?”

Jiang An opened the meteorological agency’s website, pointing to the curve chart on the screen in explanation.

”Skeletonization is a long-term process, and seasonal cyclical changes must be considered.”

”For instance, high temperature and humidity in summer accelerate decay, while dry and cold winters slow the process.”

He zoomed in on a temperature change map, ”By establishing a time series model, we can more accurately backtrack the time window of death.”

”Makes sense!”

Zhou Yong suddenly realized, immediately dialing a phone number.

”I’ll contact an old colleague at the meteorological agency right away to get the raw data.”

He turned to others and shouted, ”Li, go to the equipment department to get the latest set of microscopic analysis instruments.”

”Chen, prepare the sampling tools.”

”Everyone, move fast!”

After the last few colleagues gradually left the laboratory, the vast space was left with only Jiang An, Wan, and Zhang Yean.

Wan quickly walked up to Jiang An, furrowing her eyebrows, speaking in a low voice, ”Captain Jiang, isn’t your decision this time too risky?”

”Even the veteran forensic experts dare not easily try that theory...”

Jiang An was organizing experimental data, and upon hearing this, he looked up, ”Science advances through continuous attempts.”

”Though this theory is rare, I’ve seen successful cases in foreign journals.”