Reconstructing a face through DNA analysis

Forensics and criminal investigations now routinely include using the DNA to identify a person – missing, dead or a criminal suspect – by matching with other DNA samples on the scene or a database. Obviously, this technology becomes limited when there is no database or DNA to match with.

But now, it is possible to actually draw a person’s face using a DNA sample! Called “forensic molecular photofitting”, the process uses mapped genes that are linked to skin pigmentation and facial structure to reconstruct facial features and skin tones.

The process was used to help identify a serial killer in Baton Rouge, reports Dr. Mark Shriver at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Chicago. Shriver used the technology to identify the race of the suspect, Derek Todd Lee.

Dr. Shriver is now studying groups genes that define and are linked to facial shape and structure, and he believes only around 500 facial markers and 500 ancestry markers are enough to build an accurate and complete face.

Just imagine the uses of this technology! It would be possible to draw a suspect’s face and skin color, find the identify of an unknown DNA sample, reconstruct the face of an ancestor (as long as DNA is available), even sort through the identities in mass graves!

Read the complete article here – DNA sample may be enough to build an image of your face