New Method for Analyzing Cat Hair Makes 'Cat-ching Criminals' Easier

Analyzing cat hair has become a powerful tool in catching criminals, thanks to a new method developed by researchers at the University of Leicester. The innovative DNA analysis technique focuses on the unique DNA mutations found in cat hair, providing a sure-fire way to link criminals to crime scenes or their homes. The study, published in Forensic Science International, reveals that almost every cat has a rare DNA type, making it highly informative for forensic investigations. While human DNA may not always be available for testing in criminal cases, pet hair, especially from cats, can serve as valuable linking evidence. Lead author Emily Patterson, a Leicester Ph.D. student, explains that cat hair lacks the hair root necessary for traditional DNA analysis. However, the team at the University of Leicester has significantly increased the detail with which they can analyze mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mothers to their offspring and shared among maternally related cats. The researchers successfully tested the method in a lost cat case, where they matched DNA from the skeletal remains of a missing female cat with hair from her surviving male offspring. This breakthrough has already been used in a murder case, where it identified the DNA of the perpetrator's cat. With this new method, the analysis of cat hair has become an invaluable tool in the fight against crime, providing a promising avenue for forensic scientists and law enforcement agencies.

Entomology Breakthrough: New Beetle Species Discovered with Crucial Role in Forensic Science

A new species of beetle has been discovered in India, and it has already gained attention for its importance in forensic science. The beetle, named Omorgus Khandesh, is a keratin beetle that feeds on the keratin found in the hair and nails of dead animals and humans. This makes it a valuable tool for forensic investigators as it can help determine the time of death of a body. The discovery of Omorgus Khandesh was made by Aparna Sureshchandra Kalawate, a scientist with the Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre. The beetle was found in the collections of the WRC, and the findings were published in the New Zealand-based journal Zootaxa. The paper was co-authored by Werner P Strümpher of the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, South Africa. The beetle is the 14th extant species of the Trogidae family to be discovered in India. Although little is known about its life history, it is mostly connected to the nests and burrows of birds and mammals. The beetle is also known to act dead by stopping movement when disturbed. The discovery of this new species is significant as keratin beetles are less studied in the Oriental region, particularly in India. The paper published in Zootaxa provides important details on the catalog of the subgenus Omorgus, including their type depositories, synonyms, and known geographical distributions. Overall, the discovery of Omorgus Khandesh highlights the importance of continued research and exploration in the field of entomology, particularly in lesser-known regions of the world.