hair protein tagged posts

Hair shaft proteomic profile in modern and archaeological samples.

Protein identification technique may be used in forensics, archaeology. Unique protein markers in hair could be used alongside DNA profiling for human identification. DNA profiling is commonly used for identification in forensic science and archaeology because DNA is unique to each individual. However, environmental and chemical processes can degrade DNA, limiting its usefulness over time. In contrast, protein is more stable than DNA but can also have variations that may be unique to the individual. Glendon Parker and his team therefore investigated whether the protein found in human hair could offer another tool for identifying individuals.

The researchers were able to examine bioarcheological hair samples from 6 individua...