Revolution in forensics: DNA analysis brings light into dark age!

Revolution in forensics: DNA analysis brings light into dark age!

In an exciting progress in forensic science, the challenge of deriving the appearance of a perpetrator from a single hair at the scene of the crime will soon be a bit to reality. According to information from orf.at , microbiologist Marta Diepenbroek researches new methods for analysis of DNA traces. With the aim of identifying external characteristics such as eye color, it could be possible over the next 15 years to create detailed phantom images of the suspects. These developments could not only give new hope of current cases, but also so -called cold cases, i.e. unresolved cases from the past. Michael Lauck, an experienced researcher, emphasizes that the technology enables even old or damaged DNA samples to evaluate precisely.

The reality of DNA analysis, however, looks different than is known from popular television programs like CSI Miami. The process of DNA hair analysis requires special attention because the hair root that contains the DNA you are looking for provides only a small amount of genetic material. In fact, forensics have to reproduce this genetic information in order to get a clear picture. As simplyscience.ch , experts analyze certain areas of DNA to determine identities and enable comparisons between different samples. This is contrary to the fast solutions that can often be seen on TV. The identification of people via DNA traces is not carried out within seconds, but requires careful and often time-consuming work.

The importance of DNA in criminal technology

Forensic microbiology ensures a revolution in crime education. Franz Neuhuber, head of the Department of Forensic Molecular Biology at the University of Salzburg, emphasizes the central role of Austria in this area. With the introduction of a DNA database that did it as a second country worldwide, Austria has taken an important step in crime scene analysis. These DNA databases enable the police to compare the DNA samples with those at the scene even years after the crime, which can be crucial for the investigation of crimes.