DNA Prediction in Forensic Anthropology and the Identity Sciences

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report on findings from burgeoning research occurring from 2010 to April 2015, applicable to forensic anthropology and the growing field of identity sciences (i.e., biometrics), where DNA prediction of phenotypic traits such as eye color, hair color, skin color, age, and biogeographic origin, is the primary focus. Using the Cochrane method, over 40,000 articles were identified as potentially related to the research topic; of these, 475 were deemed most suitable and analyzed. Results indicated 25 publications yielded information most germane to our research question-where are we in terms of the ability to predict, from DNA, various phenotypic traits and what is the feasibility of applications to forensic anthropology and the identity sciences. Discussed here is a review of the most recent and relevant studies. Findings primarily show that eye color is promising for widespread use as a trait reliably and accurately predicted from DNA. In need are improved methods of DNA extraction and analysis from bones and teeth such that phenotypic trait prediction can become a viable and widespread tool in forensic anthropological casework. This review of the literature is meaningful for contemporary global anthropology inasmuch as it raises awareness concerning the scope of research and applied interests related to anthropology, specifically human biological variability, and demonstrates new avenues for identification likely available in the near future to practitioners of the field of forensic anthropology.