Osteology with Dr. Daniel Wescott - Podcast Notes

Osteology with Dr. Daniel Wescott - Ologies Podcast Notes

Introduction

  • Host: Alie Ward

  • Episode Date: October 1, 2019

  • Theme: Spooktober - focus on creepy, cozy, scary topics for the month.

  • Topic: Skeletons and osteology.

  • Discussion Prompt: Personal reflection on being surrounded by skeletons (in various forms) in everyday life.

Acknowledgments and Thanks

  • Patreons: Expression of gratitude for supporting Ologies and submitting questions.

  • Ologies Merch: Thanks to those wearing Ologies merchandise from OlogiesMerch.com.

  • Audience Reviews: Highlighting audience engagement and positive feedback (specific mention of a review from JN about the podcast's impact on personal recovery).

Guest Introduction: Dr. Daniel Wescott

  • Title: Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University.

  • Education:

    • Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Wichita State University.

    • Master’s in skull bones from Wichita State University.

    • Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

  • Recognition: Deep knowledge and expertise in osteology and forensic anthropology.

Body Farms and Forensic Anthropology

  • Description of the Forensic Anthropology Center:

    • Located on a 3,500-acre ranch, Freeman Ranch, near San Marcos, Texas.

    • One of seven such facilities in the US studying human decomposition rates.

    • Contains approximately 50 human bodies in various stages of decomposition to gather vital forensic data.

  • Importance: Aids law enforcement in solving crimes and identifying remains of missing persons.

  • Description of the facility:

    • Features wooded areas with shallow graves, open pastures with bones, and ecological studies around decomposition.

Visit to Dr. Wescott's Office

  • Office Location: Between a BBQ restaurant and a funeral home, highlighting an unusual environment for a forensic anthropologist.

  • Office Highlights:

    • Display of skulls, femurs, vertebrae, and various human bones in an organized lab with numerous boxes containing skeletons.

Engaging with Dr. Wescott

Initial Conversation

  • Alie and Danny discuss formalities in addressing each other and attire (lab coat).

What is Osteology?

  • Definition: Osteology is the study of bones.

  • Sub-disciplines within osteology mentioned by Dr. Wescott:

    1. Paleopathology: Study of bone diseases in ancient populations.

    2. Paleoanthropology: Study of fossil ancestors.

    3. Bioarchaeology: Study of human populations in archaeological contexts.

    4. Forensic Anthropology: Application of osteology to identify individual bones in forensic contexts.

Bone Identification and Analysis

Identifying Animal vs. Human Bones

  • Common occurrences of misidentification, especially with pig and deer bones.

  • Significance of being able to determine species of remains found during searches.

Personal Anecdotes

  • Dr. Wescott shared experiences from curiosity about bones as a child and connections to his current career.

  • Importance of understanding bones as Histories: Each skeleton tells a unique life story.

Structure of Bones

Composition and Function

  1. Living Organ: Bones are not static; they change shape throughout life.

  2. Organic Component: Composed of osteoid, providing elasticity.

  3. Inorganic Component: Mainly calcium phosphate, providing rigidity and resistance to bending.

  4. Experiments:

    • Soaking bones in vinegar dissolves the inorganic components, illustrating elasticity.

    • Baking bones removes organic components, making them brittle and shatter easily.

Types of Bone Structure

  • Long Bones: Have a shaft (diaphysis) and ends (epiphyses).

    • Shaft contains cortical bone (dense) with yellow marrow for fat storage.

    • Ends contain trabecular bone (spongy) good at absorbing impact.

  • Bone Healing Process:

    • Involves periosteum (connective tissue around bone) and creation of new bone cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts).

    • Steps include clot formation, removal of dead bone, and replacement with woven bone.

Research in Osteology

Current Research Focus

  • Studying the effects of obesity on skeletal structure compared to non-obese individuals.

  • Past research: Investigated mobility in prehistoric populations through skeletal examination.

Ethical Considerations in Research

  • NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act): Ensures respectful treatment of Indigenous remains and artifacts.

  • Consultation with tribes is essential when handling remains from archaeological sites.

Visual and Biological Analysis

Analyzing an Individual’s Life from Skeletons

  • Information obtainable from skeletons:

    • Sex, age, health status, ancestry, and lifestyle based on wear patterns.

    • Ability to distinguish activity levels (manual labor vs. non-manual labor).

Case Study Example

  • A case investigated where skeletal remains were found in a unique cast iron coffin leading to exploration of the individual's history including their cause of death.

The Nature of Decomposition

Body Farm Research Findings

  • Decomposition in Texas takes about a year for complete skeletonization under specific conditions.

  • Factors affecting decomposition rates include temperature, humidity, and presence of insects.

Societal Misconceptions and Media Representation

Portrayal in Media

  • Comments on how shows like Bones and CSI tend to oversimplify or dramatize forensic processes inaccurately.

Listener Questions

Miscellaneous Queries from Listeners

  1. Useless Bones: Most anthropologists suggest the fibula is often non-essential.

  2. Favorite Bone: Dr. Wescott’s favorite is the femur due to its abundance of useful biological information.

  3. Bone Health: Stress on bones from physical activity strengthens bone structure; inactivity leads to weakening.

Myths and Common Questions in Osteology

  • Clarification about bone health linked to diet, activity levels, and myths surrounding bone fragility among the elderly.

Closing Thoughts

Reflections on the Profession and Skeletons

  • Dr. Wescott considers skeletons as detailed records of life, fostering a narrative about a person's history.

  • Engaging with students and sharing knowledge as fundamental aspects of his passion for osteology.

Donation of Bodies for Research

  • Advocacy for body donation for research purposes seen as a return to nature, contributing to science and teaching.

Final Remarks

  • Encouragement for listeners to not fear skeletons but appreciate them as historical records of lives lived.

  • Call-to-action for donation and engagement with the science of osteology.