The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

There are 750 unidentified human remains in Australia. Could your DNA help solve one of these cold cases?

  • Written by Jodie Ward, Associate Professor, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney
There are 750 unidentified human remains in Australia. Could your DNA help solve one of these cold cases?

Yesterday it was announced[1] the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons[2] used advanced DNA technology to assist South Australia Police resolve a 40-year-old missing persons case.

Computer-generated image of a blonde middle aged man with light coloured eyes
Craniofacial reconstruction of William Hardie. AFP, Author provided (no reuse)

In January 1983, skeletal remains were found in roadside scrub on Kangaroo Island. Forensic testing over the years revealed he was male, middle-aged, of European ancestry, blue-eyed, 162–173cm tall and wore full dentures.

But it wasn’t until June 2023 that advances in forensic genomics and genealogy gave William Hardie his name back.

The AFP DNA program used similar technology to direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies like AncestryDNA[3] and 23andMe[4]. These companies market themselves as a DNA-based way to explore your ancestral origins[5] by simply sending in a saliva sample. But how is this technology used to solve cold cases?

Read more: If you've given your DNA to a DNA database, US police may now have access to it[6]

We share pieces of DNA with our relatives

All humans are more than 99%[7] genetically identical. The genetic differences in the remaining 1% of the genome are what hints at our ancestors, as well as coding for other distinctive traits (for example, facial features[8] and height[9]).

Most consumer DNA testing companies use microarrays[10] to survey this non-identical DNA. Microarrays target a small fraction of the genome – up to a million genetic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs.

The reason we can match our DNA to relatives is because we inherit it from each of our biological parents. On average, half of our DNA (including the identical and non-identical parts) is shared with our parents and siblings – first degree relatives.

Going further, we share roughly a quarter of our DNA with second degree relatives, and an eighth with third degree relatives. As the genetic distance increases, we generally share fewer and smaller pieces of DNA[11].

Even so, it’s possible to detect the few small pieces of DNA we share with our ancestors (and their descendants) going back many generations.

A chart showing relationships to first, second, etc. degree family members The pieces of DNA shared with relatives generally get fewer and smaller each generation they are removed from you in the family tree. Louise Coakley, Author provided (no reuse)

Read more: How do we identify human remains?[12]

A challenge for forensic samples

But there are unique challenges for forensic scientists trying to identify human remains using ancestral DNA. In long-term missing persons cases, often the only remains found are skeletal.

In this scenario, DNA has to be extracted from bones or teeth. However, the DNA contained in these hard tissues will degrade with time and exposure to adverse environmental conditions (for example, long periods in soil[13] and seawater[14]).

As a result, the quantity and quality of extracted DNA is often insufficient[15] for microarray analysis. Whole genome sequencing – which can recover all 3.2 billion[16] letters that make up the genetic code – is proving more successful[17] for such samples, but it’s not yet available in Australian forensic laboratories.

To overcome these challenges, the AFP DNA program recently validated[18] a forensic DNA kit for use in their accredited laboratory. The kit employs targeted sequencing[19] to focus on about 10,000 SNPs[20].

While this new method doesn’t analyse as much DNA as microarrays or whole genome sequencing, it is enough to link genetic relatives up to the fifth degree[21] (for example, second cousins or great-great-great grandparents), or sometimes further.

white gloved hands unpacking a cotton swab for a dna test
A saliva sample contains enough DNA to sequence the whole genome of a living person, but for skeletonised human remains the DNA may be limited or damaged. Mufid Majnun/Unsplash[22]

Combing through public databases and records

Once a SNP profile is obtained – and after all other avenues of inquiry have been exhausted – the AFP DNA program will upload it to the GEDmatch PRO[23] and FamilyTreeDNA[24] databases for comparison to the profiles of citizens who have volunteered their DNA to be used in this way.

If suitable genetic matches are found, a genetic genealogist will use public information to build out their family trees[25] until they discover (typically deceased) ancestors in common. From there, they will research[26] relevant family lines to find closer (ideally living) relatives of the unknown individual.

They may also work with police who can use investigative techniques, non-public information and targeted DNA testing[27] to fill in some branches of the tree and rule out others. The aim is to find a present-day family with a missing or unaccounted-for relative.

This process is known as forensic investigative genetic genealogy[28]. It has revolutionised John and Jane Doe investigations[29] and other humanitarian efforts[30] in the United States. However, its use in Australia is still growing. It is also just one of many forensic identification tools[31] and often used as a last resort.

Read more: Australia has 2,000 missing persons and 500 unidentified human remains – a dedicated lab could find matches[32]

750 unidentified and 2,500 missing persons

Currently, there are around 2,500 long-term missing persons and 750 unidentified human remains in Australia[33].

AFP DNA program specialists are supporting state and territory police to identify these nameless individuals, link them to missing people and reunite them with families who’ve missed them for years.

So far, the AFP DNA program has been instrumental in resolving 46 cases. This includes identifying the remains of 15 missing Australians, including Mario Della Torre[34], Owen Ryder[35], Tanya Glover[36] and Francis Foley[37].

How can you help if you have a missing relative?

First, you should report[38] them missing to the police if you haven’t already. Provide all known information relevant to the forensic investigation (including physical appearance, medical history and dentist’s details).

Second, you can provide a reference DNA sample[39]. This simple procedure involves you swabbing the inside of your cheek and can be done at your local police station when making a missing persons report.

Your DNA profile will be uploaded to Australia’s national DNA database[40] so it can be compared to DNA profiles from unknown deceased persons across Australia with your consent.

This is critical for decades-old missing persons cases where few close genetic relatives remain.

You can help if you’ve taken a consumer DNA test

You may be distantly related to one of the unknown Australians without even knowing it.

Anyone who has done a consumer DNA test can potentially help[41] identify missing people. To do so, you need to download[42] your DNA data file, upload it to GEDmatch[43] and choose to opt in or out of “law enforcement matching”.

If you opt in, you consent to your DNA being included in searches by police worldwide for the purpose of identifying human remains and solving violent crimes like homicides.

If you opt out, your DNA can still be used by the AFP DNA program to resolve unidentified and missing persons cases, but it won’t be used for criminal cases.

Without the leads from distant genetic relatives who had previously opted in to this type of DNA matching, it wouldn’t have been possible to connect human remains found on Kangaroo Island in 1983 to the family of William Hardie, who’ve missed him for over 40 years.

Read more: Is your genome really your own? The public and forensic value of DNA[44]

References

  1. ^ it was announced (www.abc.net.au)
  2. ^ National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (www.missingpersons.gov.au)
  3. ^ AncestryDNA (www.ancestry.com.au)
  4. ^ 23andMe (www.23andme.com)
  5. ^ to explore your ancestral origins (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ If you've given your DNA to a DNA database, US police may now have access to it (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ more than 99% (nigms.nih.gov)
  8. ^ facial features (www.frontiersin.org)
  9. ^ height (www.science.org)
  10. ^ microarrays (www.genome.gov)
  11. ^ fewer and smaller pieces of DNA (dnapainter.com)
  12. ^ How do we identify human remains? (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ soil (www.sciencedirect.com)
  14. ^ seawater (www.tandfonline.com)
  15. ^ insufficient (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  16. ^ 3.2 billion (nigms.nih.gov)
  17. ^ more successful (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  18. ^ validated (papers.ssrn.com)
  19. ^ targeted sequencing (sapac.illumina.com)
  20. ^ 10,000 SNPs (verogen.com)
  21. ^ up to the fifth degree (papers.ssrn.com)
  22. ^ Mufid Majnun/Unsplash (unsplash.com)
  23. ^ GEDmatch PRO (pro.gedmatch.com)
  24. ^ FamilyTreeDNA (www.familytreedna.com)
  25. ^ build out their family trees (abcnews.go.com)
  26. ^ research (www.familysearch.org)
  27. ^ targeted DNA testing (www.yourdnaguide.com)
  28. ^ forensic investigative genetic genealogy (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  29. ^ John and Jane Doe investigations (dnadoeproject.org)
  30. ^ humanitarian efforts (www.intermountainforensics.com)
  31. ^ many forensic identification tools (wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  32. ^ Australia has 2,000 missing persons and 500 unidentified human remains – a dedicated lab could find matches (theconversation.com)
  33. ^ 750 unidentified human remains in Australia (www.sciencedirect.com)
  34. ^ Mario Della Torre (www.abc.net.au)
  35. ^ Owen Ryder (www.abc.net.au)
  36. ^ Tanya Glover (www.abc.net.au)
  37. ^ Francis Foley (www.abc.net.au)
  38. ^ report (forms.afp.gov.au)
  39. ^ provide a reference DNA sample (www.missingpersons.gov.au)
  40. ^ national DNA database (www.acic.gov.au)
  41. ^ can potentially help (www.missingpersons.gov.au)
  42. ^ download (www.gedmatch.com)
  43. ^ GEDmatch (www.gedmatch.com)
  44. ^ Is your genome really your own? The public and forensic value of DNA (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/there-are-750-unidentified-human-remains-in-australia-could-your-dna-help-solve-one-of-these-cold-cases-210626

The Times Features

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping