Mary Roach wanted to know what happened to bodies once they were donated to science. In her research, she found a 2,000 year history of cadavers and all they've accomplished for society.
The result is her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
About 20,000 U.S.bodies are donated to science every year, according to the Orange County Register.
Cadavers have flown in space and endured car crashes. They've been crucified to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. One famous artist even spent his life savings so he could eat their flesh for two months.
The images are from videos of the Body Worlds exhibit, a display of cadavers.
Cadavers tested France's first guillotine, the "humane" alternative to hanging.
Source: "Stiff" by Mary Roach
Cadavers have been used as crash-test dummies to make a case for mandatory seat belts. The research is estimated to save 8,500 lives a year.
Source: "Stiff" by Mary Roach
Pieces of cadavers rode the Space Shuttle to test whether humans could survive in outer space.
Source: "Stiff" by Mary Roach
See the rest of the story at Business Insider