A Hairy Test to Trace Recent Travel
Did you know that where you are from and where you have been can be traced through a single strand of your hair?
According to this study recently published in the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry journal, a team of Spanish and British scientists have found a way to trace your travels by testing your hair by using a laser-ablation technique. This technique is able to detect variations in the sulphur isotopes of a single hair strand over time.
During the study, researchers collected hair samples from three volunteers, two of whom were permanent United Kingdom residents while the third had spent the previous 6 months travelling through Croatia, Austria, and Australia. Results of testing showed that the traveller’s hair strand had considerable variations in the sulfur isotopes while hair strands from the two home-bound U.K. residents had minimal to no changes.
Interesting results that could have huge relevance for governmental agencies who are interested in tracing the lifestyles of international criminals and terror suspects.
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