Forensic science: What we still don't know

Forensic science: What we still don't know

Forensic science is a mainstay in investigating crimes, but there's still a lot we don't know.

Published: January 8, 2021 at 11:50 am

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Who owns our DNA?

Police forces have been compiling large databases of DNA profiles for years, sometimes from people they’ve arrested but then released.

Criminologist studying a human DNA sequence © Getty Images
Criminologist studying a human DNA sequence © Getty Images

Having the DNA profile of everyone in the country might seem like a detective’s dream, but others say it turns everyone into a suspect and infringes on privacy rights.

With DNA-testing companies and the NHS also collecting DNA samples en masse, there’s no easy answer to the question of who actually owns your genetic code, or what they can do with it.

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How to police the digital world

The FBI wants Apple to unlock a terrorism suspect’s iPhone, but Apple's security and encryption services protect the individual's right to privacy
The FBI wants Apple to unlock a suspect’s iPhone, and has gone to court in an attempt to force Apple to comply © Getty Images

Government security agencies are locked in a battle with technology giants over how to access evidence they say is crucial to preventing terrorism.

Surprisingly, even the FBI’s in-house digital experts can’t unlock encrypted iPhones without the help of Apple.

Even more worrying for security services is the burgeoning art of digital steganography – hiding secret messages within seemingly benign files such as holiday photos.

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Can DNA tell us what a suspect looks like?

Scientists have been able to map how certain genes are linked to certain facial features, but this relationship is immensely complex and not yet accurate enough to be useful.

DNA isn't able to tell us whether someone wears glasses or has grown facial hair © Getty Images
DNA isn't able to tell us whether someone wears glasses or has grown facial hair © Getty Images

A DNA sample is also unlikely to ever be able to tell us whether someone is overweight or sun-tanned, as these are environmental, and not genetic, characteristics. Besides, you can always put on glasses or grow a beard.

© Getty Images