dnamazing.com

Police authorities in Alberta, Canada used mitochondrial DNA test to identify a man who had been missing since 17 years ago. Normal DNA testing methods are difficult to identify a person from his body remains. Here’s why:

“At the end of all that process, the DNA remaining inside the bone samples themselves is in very poor shape and it makes it very difficult to retrieve any DNA out of it,” she said.

Because mitochondrial DNA is passed down only through mothers, scientists can use samples from blood or cheek swabs from siblings or other close relatives to confirm identities…”

For more introductory information about mitochondrial DNA testing used in this case, here are the links:

• Advanced DNA testing helping police make new gains in solving cold cases:scientist
• DNA test helps identify remains of Alberta man missing 17 years

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