Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
Identity is a human right, and forensic anthropological methods aim to return identity to decedents. DNA methods are considered the gold standard because fingerprints and dental comparison may not be applicable in cases of unidentified individuals or those with no known records. Identification efforts also may be hindered when perpetrators attempt to obscure a victim’s identity with corrosive substances, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Previous studies have shown teeth are an excellent source of DNA. Large posterior teeth are often preferred because they contain the highest concentration of DNA and are more likely to survive taphonomic processes due to their position in the jaw. Many previous chemical alteration studies of teeth performed destructive methods; by destroying the tooth for DNA extraction, we lose the opportunity to collect more data and return those remains to the family. Additionally, whereas many prior studies collected little pre- or post-exposure morphological data, this research assesses morphology before and after acid submersion using multiple techniques, with the goal of identifying visible degradation trends.
Teeth were assigned to experimental groups to be submerged in HCl for various time intervals using R Studio. DNA quantification is underway using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine if the minimum DNA concentration required to proceed with DNA profile creation is present. The genetic and morphological data collected will contribute to the growing body of forensic research on altered human remains and aims to shed new light on how HCl affects tooth morphology and DNA degradation over time in a minimally destructive manner. Ultimately, the use of minimally destructive identification techniques may allow for more complete remains to be returned to the family of the decedent.
Mentor Name
Meradeth Snow
Forensic Implications of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Exposure on DNA Preservation in Human Teeth
UC North Ballroom
Identity is a human right, and forensic anthropological methods aim to return identity to decedents. DNA methods are considered the gold standard because fingerprints and dental comparison may not be applicable in cases of unidentified individuals or those with no known records. Identification efforts also may be hindered when perpetrators attempt to obscure a victim’s identity with corrosive substances, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Previous studies have shown teeth are an excellent source of DNA. Large posterior teeth are often preferred because they contain the highest concentration of DNA and are more likely to survive taphonomic processes due to their position in the jaw. Many previous chemical alteration studies of teeth performed destructive methods; by destroying the tooth for DNA extraction, we lose the opportunity to collect more data and return those remains to the family. Additionally, whereas many prior studies collected little pre- or post-exposure morphological data, this research assesses morphology before and after acid submersion using multiple techniques, with the goal of identifying visible degradation trends.
Teeth were assigned to experimental groups to be submerged in HCl for various time intervals using R Studio. DNA quantification is underway using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine if the minimum DNA concentration required to proceed with DNA profile creation is present. The genetic and morphological data collected will contribute to the growing body of forensic research on altered human remains and aims to shed new light on how HCl affects tooth morphology and DNA degradation over time in a minimally destructive manner. Ultimately, the use of minimally destructive identification techniques may allow for more complete remains to be returned to the family of the decedent.