DNA used to predict hair colour

American and Polish researchers have discovered how to use DNA samples in predicting hair colour. The work is of particular relevance for forensic science when searching for unidentified criminals. DNA can be sourced from blood, sperm and saliva and can have an accuracy of up to 90% in predicting probable hair colour.

This is a big step forward for forensic science and police departments in photofits/identification of criminals. Using DNA, the researchers discovered that they can accurately identify at an accuracy rate of around 90% whether a person has red or black hair, and with an accuracy of more than 80% whether a person's hair colour is blond or brown. It is also possible to differentiate between shades ie. between light and dark brown.

Prof. Manfred Kayser, Chair of the Department of Forensic Molecular Biology at Erasmus MC, who led the study, said, "That we are now making it possible to predict different hair colours from DNA represents a major breakthrough because, so far, only red hair colour, which is rare, could be estimated from DNA. For our research we made use of the DNA and hair colour information of hundreds of Europeans and investigated genes previously known to influence the differences in hair colour. We identified 13 'DNA markers' from 11 genes that are informative to predict a person's hair colour."

Discussing the impacts for forensic science, Prof. Ate Kloosterman of the Department of Human Biological Traces at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) said: "This research lays the scientific basis for the development of a DNA test for hair colour prediction. A validated DNA test system for hair colour shall become available for forensic research in the not too distant future. These researchers have previously published articles on predicting eye colour and estimating age on the basis of DNA material. This type of objective information can be used to refine the description of an unknown but wanted person. This new development results in an important expansion of the future DNA toolkit used by forensic investigators to track down unknown offenders."

Published: Tuesday, 4th January 2011 by Adelle Kehoe