Uncharted Waters: The Impact of NGS and Machine Learning on Forensic Science
February 2018
in “
EMBO reports
”
TLDR New DNA analysis and machine learning are advancing forensic science, improving accuracy and expanding into non-human applications.
The document discussed the advancements in forensic molecular biology due to next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, which enabled detailed DNA profiling and phenotypic predictions, enhancing traditional forensic methods. NGS improved DNA typing accuracy and allowed for the prediction of traits like pigmentation, age, and ancestry, though complex traits remained challenging. The use of probabilistic software introduced legal complexities, and DNA methylation patterns raised ethical concerns about genetic privacy. Additionally, the emerging field of Non-Human Forensic Genetics (NHFG) showed promise in applications like wildlife crime investigations, with successes such as using cat hairs in murder cases and microbial data to track illegal wildlife trafficking. Advances in molecular techniques and machine learning have significantly enhanced forensic analysis and crime deterrence efforts.
