Air Conditioning Units Help catch Criminals by Collecting their DNA
Even if a perpetrator wears gloves, their DNA may still persist in the air of a room after they leave. A recent study suggests that if such unique material enters an air conditioner, it could provide forensic investigators with information on whether a suspect has frequented a particular room or not.
Throughout their lifetimes, animals release DNA into the environment through feces, shed skin, and other genetic material. Thus, by analyzing the types of “environmental DNA” (eDNA) found in water, soil, or air samples, scientists can identify the species present in the area.
Recently, researchers have actively used eDNA analysis in various contexts, including monitoring for great white sharks near beaches, documenting frozen prehistoric ecosystems, and even searching for the Loch Ness monster.
Human eDNA and Air Conditioning Systems
As members of the animal kingdom, humans also leave behind eDNA wherever they go. This material can remain airborne for a period, in the form of small saliva droplets or tiny flakes of skin. Additionally, before eDNA settles and potentially gets eliminated through cleaning, it could be pulled into the room’s air conditioning system.
In light of this, scientists at Flinders University in Australia actively conducted an experiment to investigate the possibility of collecting human eDNA from an air conditioner situated within a room.
It’s important to clarify that air conditioners operate by recirculating the air within a room rather than pulling air in from the outside.
After thoroughly cleaning the air conditioners in four offices and four homes to eliminate any existing DNA, the researchers allowed the occupants to continue their normal activities for four weeks.
Afterward, researchers collected samples from inside the air conditioning units, finding human eDNA linked to occupants in all but one sample.
Airborne eDNA Filtration
Moreover, researchers discovered in a separate set of experiments that it is possible to filter airborne eDNA directly from the air without relying on an air conditioner. However, this method has limitations in actively detecting the eDNA of individuals who have recently occupied the room.
Conversely, eDNA collected by air conditioning systems can trace individuals who were in the room at an earlier time.
Additional research will now examine the advantages and disadvantages of various eDNA collection techniques.
According to the principal investigator, Dr. Mariya Goray, “It is highly improbable that an average offender, even with forensic knowledge, could entirely prevent the release of their DNA into the environment.”
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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