WHAT is the most environmentally friendly way of disposing of dead bodies? Turning them into compost, says Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Masak.

The problem with conventional burial, Wiigh-Masak points out, is that cemeteries can pose a threat to water supplies, while cremation releases toxic gases. So she has developed a method of immersing bodies in liquid nitrogen to remove water, causing them to crumble into fine organic dust. This is then placed in a container that biodegrades within six months. The result makes splendid potting soil, says Wiigh-Masak. She has tested the method with pig and cow carcasses and says she planted roses above the containers with excellent results.

According to Science magazine's online news service Science Now, Swedish government officials have told Wiigh-Masak that if public opinion is favourable, the relevant laws could be changed to allow the method to be used for humans. Wiigh-Masak hopes to turn her first corpse into compost next year.[ http://www.newscientist.com/opinion/opfeedback.jsp?id=ns229899#27 ]