DNA technique developed to determine ancient hair and eye color

Published on January 17th, 2013 | by Sevaan Franks

Researchers have discovered a new method of genetic testing which allows them to determine the hair and eye colour of individuals by using their teeth. Currently this technique works for remains up to 800 years old.

They had already tried out the technique on the remains of the Polish general Wladyslaw Sikorski (1881 to 1943) confirming his blue eyes and blond hair. Now, though, they say that the system’s accurate enough to work on older and more degraded samples from human remains such as teeth and bones.

“This system can be used to solve historical controversies where colour photographs or other records are missing. HIrisPlex was able to confirm that General Wladyslaw Sikorski, who died in a plane crash in 1943, had the blue eyes and blond hair present in portraits painted years after his death,” says Dr Wojciech Branicki, from the Institute of Forensic Research and Jagielonian University in Kraków.

[Full story]

Story: Ken Kola, TG Daily | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Tags: Colour, DNA, Eyes, Genetics, Hair, Teeth