Genetic Prediction of Eye, Hair, and Skin Color: Forensic Applications and Challenges in Latin American Populations

October 2025 in “ Genes ”

Beatriz Armida Flores-López, A. Ceballos, Cristal López-Aguilar, Manuel Alejandro Rico-Méndez, Kesia Acosta-Ramírez, Alan Cano-Ravell, Gildardo Gembe‐Olivarez, Andrés López-Quintero, José Alonso Aguilar‐Velázquez, Adrián Ramírez-de-Arellano, José Miguel Moreno-Ortíz

forensic DNA phenotyping FDP genetic prediction eye color hair color skin color genetic diversity predictive models multiethnic studies predictive panels

Studysummary This review discusses forensic DNA phenotyping and its potential applications, particularly for human identification in Latin American populations, but notes challenges due to genetic diversity and reports no new results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document reviews the application and challenges of forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) for predicting eye, hair, and skin color in Latin American populations, where genetic diversity from Indigenous, European, and African ancestries complicates accurate predictions. It stresses the need for region-specific predictive models and highlights ongoing research in countries like Mexico and Brazil. Ethical concerns, such as racial profiling and misuse of data, are addressed, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks and ethical guidelines. The review calls for large-scale multiethnic studies and tailored predictive panels to improve accuracy and aid forensic investigations in the region.

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