Tue Jan 28 12:14:21 IST 2025: ## Belgian Scientists Develop “Bone Perfume” to Aid Cadaver Dogs
**Brussels, Belgium – January 28, 2025** – A Belgian research scientist, Clement Martin, is collaborating with the federal police to create a synthetic scent mimicking the smell of dried human bones. This innovative “perfume” aims to significantly improve the effectiveness of cadaver dogs in locating long-lost skeletal remains, particularly in cold cases.
Currently, Belgian cadaver dogs are trained using the scent of decomposing flesh, but this scent dissipates once the soft tissue decomposes. Martin’s research focuses on replicating the much fainter odor of dried bones, which varies with age and environmental factors. He explains that a three-year-old bone smells distinctly different from a twenty-year-old bone, and that the porous nature of bones allows them to absorb surrounding scents.
This development directly addresses a significant challenge in locating skeletal remains. Kris Cardoen, head of federal police dog training, highlighted that the inability to detect dried bones was a gap in their current capabilities. A demonstration at a police training center showcased the success of the new scent, with a dog successfully locating hidden tissue samples using the scent.
Martin’s process involves analyzing different bone samples, including those from an unidentified man found in a suitcase. He compares his work to that of a perfumer, meticulously blending different aromas to recreate the unique scent profile of dried bones. Given the extensive 1000-hour training required for each of Belgium’s four cadaver dogs, this breakthrough is expected to significantly improve their effectiveness in recovering human remains.
First Piper 