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In forensic science, "touch DNA" has proved to be a central method of identifying suspects. All human beings involuntarily shed skin cells wherever they come into contact, depositing extremely tiny biological traces behind them. Fresh trail-blazing research is describing how people vary in the amount of skin and cell DNA they shed, often referred to as their "shedder" profile, and how this information can aid criminal investigations.

What Is a 'Skin Shedder' Profile?

Scientists have discovered that individuals shed skin cells and DNA at incredibly variable levels. Some individuals are "high shedders," leaving copious skin cells on surfaces they come into contact with, while other individuals are "low shedders," leaving fewer cells. This range affects the detection and identification of DNA evidence that is gathered at crime scenes.

Groundbreaking researchers at Flinders University in Australia have developed a powerful scientific method to measure the "shedder status" of a suspect using a novel cell staining method. In a trial on 100 individuals, they confirmed that each person always sheds the same number of skin cells regardless of sampling time, and that men shed more cells than women. The important thing is that it does not matter which hand an object is held in—shedding is symmetrical either way.

Why is 'Shedder Status' Important in Forensics?

Traditional DNA profiling can identify whether a person's DNA has been present but not why or how it was present. For instance, an identification of a suspect's DNA on the scene of a weapon can be challenged if the person says they only briefly touched the object or was not involved in a crime.

A suspect's shedder profile is useful information. If you are a high shedder, it is easy to transfer your DNA, and it would account for DNA found at a place where you did not extensively touch. Low shedders, on the other hand, would not leave significant DNA where they extensively handled items. This provides forensic specialists with the ability to estimate the probability of DNA presence using a "likelihood ratio," providing courts with more precise evidence of a suspect's involvement in a crime.

This study is particularly useful in identifying suspects and cracking cases in which "competing DNA evidence" previously muddled investigations.

New Developments in Skin and Touch DNA Profiling

In addition to the quantitation of shedder status, forensic scientists are also developing accurate detection of skin cells themselves. Skin cell-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) markers have, for the first time, been detected, enabling tests to determine whether DNA recovered from samples specifically derives from skin. This method, reported in forensic biology journals, increases accuracy in the identification of biological material, differentiating skin from other body fluids and tissues.

Additionally, new studies target structural proteins and carbohydrate marks on skin cells, improving detection of latent "touch DNA" on surfaces, after prolonged outdoor exposure.

Real-Life Applications and Future Applications

Knowing and using "skin shedder" profiles can:

• Help reduce investigation times by concentrating on suspects that have similar DNA profiles to shedder patterns.
• Help reduce false accusations due to DNA contamination or secondary transfer.
• Help forensic specialists by giving an extra strong layer of evidence to utilize in supporting or disproving assertions.
• Assistance in the quantification of the amount of time a suspect could have spent at a crime scene using cell deposition counts.

Furthermore, while promising, there remains improvement to be made in refining these methods. Further research is ongoing to determine best practices for the inclusion of shedder status within forensic casework globally. 

The science of "skin shedder" profiling is an exciting new frontier in forensic investigation, combining biology and law enforcement with precision. Understanding how individuals uniquely shed skin cells and DNA, forensic examiners can more accurately interpret DNA evidence, catch criminals more effectively, and ensure justice is meted out. 

For students and practitioners alike who are interested in forensic science, staying current with these cutting-edge advancements is a window into the future of crime-solving technology.

The 3-day International Forensic Science Summit began today at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), Lucknow, a major hub in India's push towards scientific crime research and cyber security. The summit, graced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has more than 100 officials and participants from India and across the globe to share the latest trends in cybercrime, forensic science, and new legal frameworks.

UP's Growing Forensic Laboratories

The event coincides with the 3rd foundation day of UPSIFS and underscores Uttar Pradesh's rise as a national power in forensic science and cybercrime investigation. UPSIFS, a center of innovative learning and research, and a prominent component of the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards crime as well, has seen speedy growth ever since its launch in 2024. The institute is now a Nodal Centre of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, and is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.

Recent UP Advancements in Forensics

1. Technological Upgrades: The CM, Yogi Adityanath,  inaugurated Drone and DNA Labs at UPSIFS, the crucial instruments for today's forensic investigations.
2. Forensic Vans Rollout: Recently purchased forensic vans have been rolled out to all 75 UP districts to assist local police for swift evidence collection and analysis.
3. Lab Expansion: The forensic infrastructure of the state has expanded from four labs to 12 since 2017 with new centers in Jhansi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Bareilly, Gonda, Aligarh, and Moradabad. Six more labs will be set up in Ayodhya, Basti, Banda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, and Saharanpur, with even wider coverage and quicker analysis of evidence.
4. Digital Tracking & National Leadership: As the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) is completely implemented in 98 locations, UP is now the leader in digitized fingerprint records with nine STF units, one ATS unit, and 12 GRP units producing more than 4.14 lakh fingerprints digitized.

What’s Happening at the Summit?

The conference is based on "Dimensions of Cyber Warfare: Multilateral Legal Frameworks, Forensics & Strategic Countermeasures." Sessions cover cybercrime, deepfake and bot detection, information and cognitive warfare, cryptocurrency investigation, and the judicial application of forensic science.

The meet is meant to increase international collaboration, build India's next-generation forensic leaders, and catalyze UP's success. Over 1,000 attendees, like policymakers, global CEOs, legal influencers, researchers, and police chiefs, are expected to gather.

Impact on Young People and Career Seekers

The initiative of the government has opened new avenues for youth and forensic science enthusiasts, who are now being given top-class training, state-of-the-art research facilities, and traineeships in UPSIFS and state networks. The exercise of the state to employ well-trained forensic personnel is creating future-proof investigatory personnel equipped to deal with new legal standards under NAFIS and new criminal law codes (BNS, BNSS, and BSA, 2023). 

Strengthened Justice Delivery

With the increase in forensic capacity and the integration of technology with policing, investigations are less delayed, and evidence is being brought to courts faster, with convictions occurring faster and public trust in the police also increasing. Furthermore, the modernization of fingerprinting and the inclusion of new forensic technology have made UP the best state of forensic innovation in India.

A recent scientific discovery has reset the stage on what fingerprint reveals in criminal activities. Powerful new technology known as Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, or DESI-MS, has made it so that the forensic scientists are able to dig even deeper, finding not only people in hard or faint fingerprints but also gaining chemical information on what a person may have done recently, what drugs he or she may have used, what possible medical conditions they may have; age, sex, and even ethnicities.

What is DESI-MS?

DESI-MS is a state-of-the-art tool that enables investigators to analyze both the patterns and material composition of fingerprints left at crime scenes. This is how it is done:

• The finger is pressed to the surface and a gelatin lifter (which may already be in use in Indian forensic labs) is applied to gather the fingerprint.
• The lifter is sprayed with moderate intensity, electrically charged solvent mist (such as methanol).
• The chemical marks left in the fingerprint ridges are taken up by the mist.
• These chemicals are then analyzed in the DESI-MS, which gives both a picture of the fingerprint, and a breakdown of the chemicals in it.

Such technique is non-destructive, quick and able to retrieve spatial chemical information on prints that overlap, or in degraded prints, which could never have been imaged separately in the past with standard imaging.

Key Facts of the Recent Surveys

• With DESI-MS, the Aarhus University and other scientists were able to distinguish and identify overlapping fingerprints, even smudged or weak fingerprints, a first in reality in crime scenes.
• The technology enables discovery of drugs, medicines, explosive or even environmental chemicals which have been handled by an individual- essential information in establishing connections between people and crime scenes and activities.
• Machine learning with DESI-MS has been able to classify gender correctly (to 96%), age (84%), and ethnicity (82%), based on the individualized chemical profile in a fingerprint.
• DESI-MS is non-destructive and suitable for quick, in-situ analysis. In many cases, useful results are available within two hours. 

 What Information Can Now be  Extracted from Fingerprints? 

• Identification of the individual by the traditional ridge pattern and advanced chemical profiling.
• Detection of foreign substances by knowing whether the person recently touched drugs, explosives, lubricants, cleaning agents, or food remains.
• Personal profiling like gender, age range, ethnicity, and even possible health information, such as biomarkers for diseases.
• Newer studies have shown potential for DESI-MS to estimate when a fingerprint was deposited.

Indian crime scenes are full of overlapping and poor fingerprints which in the old times were usually treated as unacceptable evidence. Through DESI-MS, additional prints at the crime scene would be more usable, which can:

1. Assist in the solution of cold cases; i.e. older cases that remain unsolved.
2. With new chemical evidence, cause or eliminate wrongful convictions by including or eliminating suspects.
3. Serve investigative clues to cases related to narcotics or terrorism or environmental crimes.

Moreover, the technique can be integrated into the current workflow as gelatin lifters necessary in the processes are generally already in use by most labs; the transition toward DESI-MS may be cost-effective in comparison to replacing forensic protocols.

Future Difficulties and the Way Forwards

Although research shows that DESI-MS can be effective, extensive use will be at a cost of investment in equipment and training forensic teams in India. Judges and law enforcers should be sensitized about the process of gathering the chemical fingerprint testimony, its interpretation, and its manner of presentation before the court of law. Current research is extending the classes of chemicals that can be detected in fingerprints- future improvements may further individualize personal, medical, and behavioral profiling.

The innovation drives fingerprint evidence into the digital age. With the help of such tools as DESI-MS, each fingerprint can now reveal a much more detailed story not only about a person who left it but also about actions and things touched by the owner. That will translate to expedited case clearing and reduced trial errors, and lower costs among investigators as well as the justice system of India that has limited time and resources at their defense.

Tip: To read the original study or look at how such technology is being developed, see ScienceDaily coverage or search DESI-MS fingerprint for detailed research papers

On July 29, 2025, the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, confirmed that ballistic forensic evidence has positively determined that the three militants killed in a recent operation were the same group of terrorists that carried out the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which led to a tragic death of 26 civilians around the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. The identification was made by a detailed ballistic test by forensic experts that matched with the weapons used by the terrorists in the Pahalgam Attack, making a significant breakthrough in the investigation. 

Details of the Forensic Investigation 

After the three terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev near Srinagar were identified as Suleman Shah alias Faizal Jatt, Abu Hamza, and Yasir, their weapons—including one M-4 carbine and two AK-47s—were urgently flown from Srinagar to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Chandigarh late Monday night. Forensic experts immediately began detailed ballistic tests, firing the recovered weapons to produce test cartridge casings for comparison with those found at the Pahalgam attack site.

The forensic experts worked hard at night, poring over the expertise and ensuring everything was perfectly done. Six forensic experts compared the two sets of results and validated, via video conference, early in the morning today (Tuesday) that the shells ejected by the rifles recovered were a hundred percent identical to the cartridge casings recovered at the scene where the terrorists attacked Pahalgam, which inarguably linked the instruments used by the terrorists killed by the police forces to the carnage. 

Overview  of the Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, 2025 five masked militants raided tourists at Baisaran Valley in the picturesque surroundings of Pahalgam and targeted mainly Hindu tourists. It was a violent and heinous attack with attackers picking male non-Muslim tourists by requesting religious intonations and killing them. There were twenty-six dead civilians, some of them newlywed couples, and a local Muslim pony ride operator who tried to intervene unsuccessfully. The weapons in question were also said to be modern assault rifles, which were the same as those of the killed terrorists.

Operation Mahadev, and Militants Tracking.

The three militants killed during operation Mahadev on July 28, 2025 were hunted for more than two months through intelligence works and tracking of a Huawei satellite phone believed to have been used by the militant associates. The operation was carried out by the security agencies including Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Para SF in jungles of Dachigam, which is near Srinagar.

The identities of the militants were also confirmed by cross verification with local informants, Pakistani voter identity cards, and other available evidence pointing to their foreign origins and links to Pakistan based terrorist organizations, in particular Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT ). Two of the attacking militants were established members of LeT, and the organization had earlier been involved in various attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Official Statements of Home Minister

Addressing a Lok Sabha session, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was proud of the forensic confirmation and the untiring efforts of Indian security agencies. He told the nation that there is no place to doubt over the involvement of these three terrorists in the Pahalgam massacre and that they would get justice.

This case is the best  example of how vital forensic science is in the process of counterterrorism efforts. Ballistic matching is another scientific way of connecting weapons retrieved to crime scenes unambiguously thus making the charges related to the case supported by undeniable facts. The political nature of Kashmir is hostile and sensitive in which nothing less than perfection in terms of accuracy of security claims can lead to justice and peace. 

As an Indian youth, aspirant, and career seeker, choosing forensic science can be the best career decision because this case proves how forensic science helps law enforcement by offering a transparent and credible foundation for national security decisions and more. Pursuing this field could turn out to  be highly rewarding to both the nation and the individual

All the people who are forensic scientists have obtained a bachelor degree or a master degree in Forensic science or in a subject related to the forensic field such as biology, or chemistry. However,  there are individuals who have gotten into the field by means of different paths other than formal education, like thorough training programs, certifications, volunteer work, or employment in criminal justice positions allied to this one.

Steps to Become a Forensic Scientist without a Degree 

1. Certifications and Courses Accreditation

Although it is common to have a college degree, there are organizations, as well as, other independent institutes which provide certification courses in specialised areas of forensic science such as International Forensic Science (IFS) India, NFSU, etc

Crime scene investigation courses, fingerprint analysis courses, digital forensics courses or laboratory courses (online and offline) can enhance your basic knowledge and improve your resume when applying to an entry-level or assistant position.

2. Enter via Related Criminal Justice Work Other jobs 

Most criminal justice careers, like security guard, or police dispatcher, or a loss prevention specialist, are entrant-level jobs and do not usually require a degree and can expose you to investigations and handling evidence.

There are some police employers that accept people who have not had a degree to take up work in the force and after they are employed they are taken through on-the-job training where they are exposed to a little of forensics. With time, one can be appointed to specialized evidence technician or CSI assistant jobs.

3. Intern, Work as an Assistant or Volunteer

It is essential to obtain working experience. See opportunities to do internships, volunteer projects or become a junior in a forensic lab, police evidence room or similar. Part-time or no-pay jobs as well can assist you to create a network and a vocational base that will be sought by recruiters.

4. Networking and Professional associations

Take forensic science workshops, conferences, webinars, and seminars -even as a non-degree student.

Becoming a member of a professional association or online communities also would enable you to find mentors, get updated about job opportunities, and what is happening to the field.

5. Acquisition of Technical Skills

In forensic work, expertise in evidence processing, chemistry, analytical equipment is essential, especially when based in a lab. Employers will respect hands-on technical training and you can have that experience even outside of formal academia as long as you prove you are skilled and responsible.

In the case of digital forensics, learning on your own and certification by the industry (e.g. CompTIA Security+, EnCase Certified Examiner, etc.) may at times provide an entry-level employment opportunity.

Why have Realistic Expectations?

The work of a forensic scientist is highly technical and responsible and as such most metaphysical forensic scientist jobs in India and in other countries demand at least a bachelor level degree. Nonetheless, exceptions are possible, at least in support, in house laboratories, or in innovative development of new kinds of forensic technologies (e.g. in digital forensics). 

Other successful forensics professionals begin with a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice or policing and proceed to become specialized through special training, promotions within the agency, and brief studies.

The Key Steps to Start Your Journey

• Take as many online or short-term forensic science programs as possible.
• Pay attention to mastering practical work in a field of interest (crime scene investigation, lab analysis, digital forensics, and others).
• Find part-time employment or volunteer internships to get practical experience.
• Look to obtain industry certifications and make sure you continue your knowledge with trends and technologies. 
• Build a network by associating in related forums, industry events, and through contacting the professionals.

Without regular college education, one can become a forensic science expert if they have the skills. Practical experience, certification, and abilities are all vital in the field, and it places great importance upon them. Even without a degree, one can make a way in forensic science provided they are passionate, determined, and active in their learning and networking.

Note: Do the research on the ins and outs of the minimum qualifications of the desired jobs: some employers and some regions have different requirements

Forensic odontology could be your ideal career when you have an enthusiasm in science, crime investigation, and dentistry. In India, this specialized area of forensic science is becoming more popular due to its key role in criminal investigations, disaster management, and human identification. If you are planning to pursue a career in the Forensic science field , this is all you should know about the discipline, the subjects, eligibility, area of application and career outlook of forensic odontology.

What is Forensic Odontology?

Forensic odontology (or forensic dentistry) is the field of dental science involved in legal inquiries. Forensic odontologists combine their understanding of the anatomy of teeth, bite marks and dental records in their work to contribute to identifying the remains of human beings, in criminal investigations and even to render expert testimony in a court of law. Their services play a major role in cracking crimes, detecting victims of disasters, and resolving legal cases that include dental evidence.

What do Forensic Ontologists do? 

• Identification of the unknown bodies: In case of disaster such as fire or floods, dental records tend to last longer than the fingerprints or DNA.
• Bite Mark Analysis: Forensic experts analyse bite marks found on victims or objects and match them to a suspect’s dental profile
• Dead and living: Age estimation of those deceased or living by using teeth, particularly in cases of missing children or those of unknown individuals.
• Disaster Victim Identification: The case is necessary in mass casualties, such as in natural disasters and accidents.
•  Legal Testimony: Forensic odontologists provide expert opinions in both criminal and civil court cases.

Skills Needed To be a Forensic Odontologist

To be successful in this field you need to have the following skills:

1. Good knowledge in dentistry and dental anatomy.
2. Critical thinking and attention to details. 
3. Curiosity to solve puzzles and interest in manipulating legal cases. 
4. Ease with medico-legal guidelines and collaboration with law enforcers. 

Step-by-step guide to becoming a forensic odontologist in India:

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible, one needs at least 50% marks. 

Top colleges offering Forensic odontology in India

• Amity University in Noida
• Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
• National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• And many more..

Career Scope at & Job Opportunities

Forensic odontology qualification or degree lays many doors open:

• Government Forensic Labs: Forensics and law enforcement, Disaster assistance, attorney negotiations, consultancy
• Medical Colleges & Universities: Medico-legal case support, teaching and research
• Disaster Response Teams: Mass identification of disaster victims in India and in the world
• In Private Practice: Bite mark analysis, age determination and consulting to law enforcement agencies

Central and state forensic labs, CBI, police department, disaster management agencies and legal consultancy firms are some places where you can find these job opportunities.

Salary range of Forensic Odontologist

• Freshers: 3 to 6 lakhs a year 
• Senior Practitioners: 8 lakhs to 15 lakhs per year or even higher depending on skills, specialisation, and the role.

If you want to thrive faster, it is advised to build a network and connection. Here are 2 places you can find like-minded people:

1. Indian Association of Forensic Odontology (IAFO): This is the biggest professional group that provides conferences, newsletters, platforms to conduct research, etc.
2. Indian Dental Association (IDA): Advocacy, monetary awards, and networking resources of dental practitioners who seek to pursue forensics.

So, is forensic odontology a good career?

This is a very rewarding field, in case you are interested in solving real life puzzles and in making a significant contribution to justice and humanitarian activities. There is an increased demand for more professionals in forensic odontology in India, in the fields of law, disaster relief and investigation of crime. The combination of science and service in the job makes this ideal at least to students desiring both purpose and challenge.

Forensic odontology is a good career option for Indian students who wish to have a career in the forensic science field. This career choice of Indian science and dental students combines their love for science, service, and investigation into one impactful profession. Thus, considering this field of study can be a rewarding choice in the 21st century. 

FAQs

1. Can non-dental graduates qualify as forensic odontologists?

No. If you wish to become a specialist in forensic odontology in India, you should at least have a BDS degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). 

1. Is there possibility of research in Forensic Odontology?

Yes. If you are pursuing M.Sc., writing conferences (such as the ones organized by IAFO) and publishing studies, you need to do  research. There is a scope for deep research as well in this field. 

1. Are there Forensic Odontology less duration courses?

Yes, a number of institutes offer diploma courses ranging from 6 months to 1 year.