This innovative method of identifying individuals could become an essential tool in forensic science. To create a unique profile for each person, the technique relies on proteomics, the science of analyzing proteins found in a single strand of hair.
Proteomics — derived from the English words Proteins and Genome — is a promising modern science that allows for the evaluation of the protein composition of living organisms, in addition to studying the structural and functional properties of protein molecules and the changes that occur to them.
DNA, extracted from biological samples such as blood, hair, or skin, is used to identify individuals. However, DNA degrades over time, especially under harsh environmental conditions, and often becomes unusable for analysis. The new method overcomes this obstacle, as proteins last much longer than DNA, opening new avenues for solving mysteries and identifying victims of disasters.
Researchers analyze proteins in hair to extract detailed information about a person. This technique is not intended to replace traditional DNA testing, but rather to complement it in cases where samples are of poor quality or severely damaged.
Hair is commonly found at crime scenes, but it is rarely used due to the limitations of traditional examination methods. Today, however, thanks to this new technology, hair could become a crucial source of information, increasing the likelihood of its widespread use alongside DNA in forensics.
