|Eye color genes may help forensic investigations|
Kate KellandScientists have identified three new genes that determine subtle variations in human eye color -- clues that could help forensic investigators using DNA left at a crime scene to track down criminal suspects.
Researchers from the Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam in the Netherlands used a technique called a genome-wide association study, which scans gene maps, to analyze the eye color of about 6,000 Dutch volunteers.
The colors were then digitally quantified and collated using high-resolution photographs of the whole eye, and the scientists found that human eye color varies in many more ways than previously thought.
Previous studies on the genetics of human eye color used broad trait information such as "blue," "green," and "brown," the researchers, led by Manfred Kayser, wrote in the study.
But this study showed that variation in eye color runs in a continuous grading from the lightest blue to the darkest brown.
"These findings are of relevance for future forensic applications where appearance prediction from biological material found at crime scenes may provide investigative leads to trace unknown persons," Kayser said.
|How can you participate?|
To help examine the potential benefits and problems associated with using genetic identification technologies in law enforcement, the Forensic DNA Ethics project is actively seeking the participation ...
If you know of a case in which forensic DNA phenotyping was used other than those included on our site, please tell us about it!
We have an active program of surveys designed to gather data on current practices in forensic science education and law enforcement. Many of these surveys are by invitation only, although public ...
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It is not known how often law enforcement agencies have turned to FDP as part of an attempt to identify an unknown suspect or victim; some reports claim that the method has been used in several hundre ...
Is forensic DNA phenotyping regulated?
We are collecting references for papers, reports, conference presentations, or abstracts that report findings relevant to FDP. Our intent is to periodically publish an annotated bibliography that trac ...