IN THE world of forensic science, shedding skin cells is suddenly a hot topic.
A new DNA forensics technique could measure a suspect's individual level of natural shedding of skin and other cells as part of evidence collected at crime scenes.
Researchers at Flinders University are developing a DNA technique that could one day have suspects claiming, "but I'm just a high shedder!"
The study, led by Prof Adrian Linacre, tested 100 people to see how much DNA they naturally leave behind.
The verdict was that men were the messiest, shedding more cells per square millimetre than women.
There was no difference in the deposition of cells between right and left thumbs so it doesn't matter if you are right- or left-handed.
But here's where it gets interesting - Linacre imagines a future where suspects argue that their prolific shedding explains why their DNA was found at a crime scene.
Out of the 100 donors, 98 consistently shed the same amount of cells, proving that once a shedder, always a shedder, explained Linacre.
The findings could help pinpoint exactly how long someone's DNA has lingered at a crime scene, speeding up criminal investigations.
So, if you're planning a heist, you might want to start moisturising - because your skin could soon be tattling on you.
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