Molecular identification of fungi associated with advanced decomposition at a human taphonomy facility in Canada

Abstract Forensic taphonomy investigates the postmortem processes of human remains, focusing on the environmental factors that influence decomposition. Recent studies have highlighted the potential forensic relevance of fungi in this context, but the knowledge base remains limited. This study explored fungal communities associated with outdoor human decomposition at the REST[ES] facility in Quebec. Nested PCR amplification and Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to identify fungal species on discolored patches of twelve samples of desiccated soft tissues from three donors. Twelve fungal species were putatively identified, some of which were previously unknown on human remains, including Leucosporidium yakuticum, Tausania pullulans, and Fusicolla species. These fungi may contribute to tissue discoloration and following longitudinal investigation, could serve as biomarkers for forensic reconstructions, including place and time of death. This study emphasizes the need for further research into the role of fungi in human decomposition processes and their applications in forensic science

Using multilingual books in kindergarten classrooms with the ELODIL Multilingual Picture Books digital platform: Outcomes and critical perspectives

In this chapter, the creation of a digital platform featuring multilingual picturebooks and its implementation in ten kindergarten classrooms in a pluri-ethnic and multilingual environment, as part of an action-research project is first described. The aim of the project was to provide teachers with tools to encourage openness to linguistic diversity and support children’s language development. Secondly, the intervention is presented and its main benefits for children, their parents, and teachers are summarised. Thirdly, a critical examination of certain aspects of the research project and its digital platform is conducted to ensure a greater awareness of the issues surrounding the theoretical approach in which it is inscribed, the platform itself, and the context in which the platform is used. Shedding light on these issues is a necessary step toward improving the understanding and implementation of inclusive education principles. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Esa Christine Hartmann and Áine McGillicuddy