Evaluation of Loci to Predict Ear Morphology Using Two SNaPshot Assays

This study evaluated the use of 21 SNPs to predict ear morphology as part of forensic DNA phenotyping in Pakistan. Using SNaPshot™ assays and analyzing data from 300 volunteers, the researchers categorized 33 ear phenotypes. They applied logistic regression to develop a prediction model, which showed moderate to good accuracy in predicting ear phenotypes, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The findings suggested that genetic markers could help determine ear morphology in unknown biological samples, aiding forensic investigations and facial reconstruction when traditional methods fail.