Using DNA to identify world war soldiers’ remains
June 18, 2009 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Health
Using DNA to identify someone’s identity is no longer a new science. DNA forensics, as the science is called, is extensively being used to establish paternity and family relationships, potential suspects and/or victims, and to exonerate persons accused of crimes. DNA fingerprints were used to identify the victims of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Today’s news at The National Post shares another example of the use of DNA testing – identifying soldiers of the past world wars at the place where they were killed.
According to the report, new constructions in Western Europe are unearthing the skeletal remains of troops killed during the two world wars, but their identities are still a mystery. So the Canadian National Defense Department set up a team of experts to try to identify these remains, now using DNA as one of the tools.
The challenge lies with the sheer number of Canadian servicemen – 28,000 – who died and whose remains are scattered across Europe. Most of the found remains have very little evidence to link them to anyone or any group. Still, the remains of four servicemen have already been identified through DNA testing since the procedure was used.
“Having the DNA testing makes things that were practically impossible in the past potentially possible now.”
via: National Post
Image: Newscom
