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Birth, old age, sickness and death are necessary stages in life. With regard to death, there is a mystery of mummification in ancient times, and a ghost in the cemetery today, but there is another view from a scientific perspective. In this episode, we will first discuss the environmental conditions that will affect the decay of corpses, as well as the procedures for disposing of corpses, the reasons for the formation of corpse wax, and the current methods of studying corpses in foreign countries. At the same time, it will explain the methods and principles of making mummies, as well as cremation, ice burial and other corpse treatment methods. In addition, is there a scientific basis for cemetery ghost fires, nails and hair to continue to grow after death? And how will whale mothers face the death of their children? What will the little red ant do with the corpse of his companion?
The current episode of “True Science-To Know What’s Next” will explain the phenomenon of human and animal carcasses, as well as folklore related to death, from a scientific perspective.
Host:
Mai Jiahui (PhD in Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Ma Xuelun (PhD in Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Li Yanqian (forensic anthropologist)
Haifeng Yu (Doctor of Astrophysics, Max Planck Institute of Extraterrestrial Physics)
August 25, 2021
Wednesday 2:00am
Hong Kong TV 31