Epigenetics and DNA

 Epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, is emerging as a valuable tool in forensic science. Unlike standard DNA analysis, which identifies who someone is, epigenetics can reveal details about them, such as age, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures. A 2023 study published in Scientific Reports introduced the PAYA model, which uses methylation at 267 sites to estimate the age of adolescents and young adults with impressive accuracy (within 0.7 years for 18-year-olds). Another study in Forensic Science International: Genetics demonstrated how methylation markers can identify whether someone is a smoker or has certain health conditions, adding depth to suspect or victim profiles. These applications can help narrow down unknown individuals in investigations. However, ethical concerns remain, especially regarding privacy and how lifestyle or health information might be interpreted or misused. 

Sources: A new blood based epigenetic age predictor for adolescents and young adults | Scientific Reports

Forensics and Cold Cases

 Forensic genetics is a powerful tool used to identify unknown human remains, even decades after death. By analyzing DNA from bones and comparing it to databases, forensic scientists can match remains to missing persons. A prime example is Patricia Ann Hertel, who disappeared in 1981. Her remains were found in 1983 but misidentified as male, and the case went cold. In 2023, forensic genetic genealogy finally led to her correct identification, giving closure to her family.

Another major player is Othram Inc., a lab that uses advanced DNA sequencing to solve cold cases. They've helped identify victims from the 1970s and 1980s by reconstructing DNA from degraded remains and tracing relatives through genealogy databases. While ethical concerns about privacy remain, the ability to restore names to the nameless is an outstanding achievement. 

My Opinion: This is an interesting topic to look into and appreciating the people that put the time and effort into solving these cold cases for closure is needed. 

Sources: Why this Texas lab is so skilled at solving Bay Area cold cases

Skeletal remains identified as Calif. woman in 42-year-old cold case

Remains Identified as Woman Who Disappeared Over 40 Years After Boat Sank