Researchers at Erasmus MC have developed a DNA test that can show whether someone smokes, does not smoke, or is an ex-smoker. This knowledge may be useful in the future, for example, to help the police with investigations.
It is not yet so far that the test can be used by the police, for example, but the research does bring such applications “a step closer”. The scientists from Rotterdam make this clear in their publication.
The study used blood samples from 232 Europeans. Of those people, 90 were smokers and 71 were ex-smokers, the rest had never smoked.
The scientists examined the blood for thirteen so-called methylation markers, changes in the genetic material that occur during a person’s life. For example, by smoking.
By analyzing the DNA extensively, the researchers were able to correctly determine smoking behavior, they report in the journal Forensic Science International: Genetics.
The developers are aware that their research may raise privacy concerns. On the other hand: “We can also see whether someone smokes on camera images. So how private is that information?” researcher Athina Vidaki wonders in an article on the website of the academic hospital.
“But at some point we may also be able to deduce from your DNA which area you live in and what your socio-economic status is. Then it starts to become more sensitive.”
2023-06-14 15:18:26
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