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Implications for Publication And
Forensic Science Funding
The practical applications of this The research, Shedding more light on
work could be significant: shedders, was released in Forensic Science
International: Genetics. It was conducted by
Enhanced Crime Scene Analysis – PhD scholar Dr. Piyamas Petcharoen with
Detectives might be able to co-authors Madison Nolan, Professor Paul
differentiate between direct and Kirkbride, and Professor Linacre. It was
secondary transfer of DNA. funded by the South Australian Attorney-
Better Court Testimony – Jurors General's Department and the Ross Vining
would be provided with clearer Memorial Research Fund.
scientific background, decreasing
the potential for false convictions.
Accelerated Case Work – A Conclusion
straightforward, low-cost test for As forensic science evolves, touch DNA
shedder status would allow analysis becomes increasingly sophisticated.
laboratories to screen The idea of a "skin shedder profile" provides
complicated mixtures of DNA a valuable added dimension, allowing
more effectively. investigators to better understand evidence
Assistance in Cold Cases – Where and prevent misjudgements in court. One
only trace DNA is present, day, even the smallest biological traces could
shedder profiles might generate be used to convict with scientific certainty.
new leads for investigators.
But researchers emphasize that References
shedder profiling must not be used as
ScienceDaily. (2024, August 22). Shedding
a substitute for DNA analysis and
more light on shedders: New forensic
instead serve as a supplementary tool.
technique strengthens DNA evidence
Additional testing, across various
interpretation.
populations and real-world casework,
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/
needs to occur before it can be
08/240822130006.htm
implemented within courts around
Petcharoen, P., Nolan, M., Kirkbride, K.
the world.
P., & Linacre, A. (2024). Shedding more
light on shedders. Forensic Science
International: Genetics, 74, 102988.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38851033/
