The Multifaceted Role of Hair as a Biospecimen: Recent Advances in Precision Medicine and Forensic Science

Hair specimens are increasingly important in precision medicine and forensic science due to their ability to retain biochemical data over time, allowing for noninvasive collection and long-term storage. They provide valuable insights into health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, toxin exposure, and treatment efficacy. Recent advancements in mass spectrometry, chromatography, and spectroscopy have expanded their use in diagnosing cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, neurological disorders, and mental health issues. In forensics, hair's resistance to decomposition and ability to absorb substances aid in identifying individuals, detecting drug use, and reconstructing crime scenes. Omics techniques enhance forensic accuracy by enabling precise substance detection and timeline reconstruction. However, challenges such as hair growth variability, contamination, and lack of standardized techniques limit the current impact of hair analysis. Addressing these challenges could enhance its role in diagnostics and forensic investigations.