Potential of hair analysis in the field of forensic sciences

Abstract

This paper delves into the intricate world of hair analysis as a subset of trace evidence, providing a comprehensive overview of its techniques, significance, and evolving role in modern forensic science. The paper begins by elucidating the structure of hair, highlighting the distinctions between human and animal hair, as well as variations within human hair from different regions of the body. Various techniques, such as microscopic examination, can elucidate key characteristics like color, diameter, and scale patterns. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offer even finer details, allowing forensic experts to make more precise comparisons. Genetic analysis through mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) can provide conclusive identification in some cases, especially when other methods fall short. The examination of drugs, toxins, and other foreign substances within the hair shaft can uncover critical information about a person's habits, environment, and potentially the cause of death in cases of poisoning or drug overdose. Its potential to unveil hidden clues is a testament to the enduring importance of this field in the realm of forensic science. In this article we thoroughly explain different techniques used for forensic analysis of hair. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is used to detect metal in hair sample while Chelex based extraction method is used to extract mtDNA from hair sample and to amplify it mtDNA analysis is used to determine maternal relationship of an individual.