ERASMUS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Researchers are currently working on developing the “Identi-Kit”, a system that uses someone’s DNA to help create a detailed picture of him or her. This is going to be very beneficial to investigators who only have DNA samples in their possession to solve a case. Once it has been fully developed, it will be able to show the suspected criminal’s exact facial features based on his DNA sample.
It has always been a problem to identify the real criminals because they wear masks or they work in the dark. In this case, CCTV’s aren’t too reliable catching a crook in a mask. With this technology, a strand of hair, a drop of blood or even body fluids can lead to the criminal’s arrest. Everyone’s DNA is unique and cannot be duplicated so it would be easier to find the DNA sample’s owner. That is especially the case since the system can be used to project the DNA owner’s exact face.
Manfred Kayser and his colleagues are working on the research and development. Right now, they are working on the system’s ability to predict eye, hair and skin color with just using a DNA sample. Although being able to predict the exact face using the Identi-Kit is still far from reality, the developments are showing a promising potential. It is a good start of something bigger and better in the years to come.
| Invention | Identi-Kit |
|---|---|
| Organization | Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Researcher | Manfred Kayser & Colleagues |
| Field(s) | Security, DNA, Forensic Science, Forensic Pathology, MRI, Genetics |
| Further Information | New Scientist |
