Air India Crash Victim Identification Methods
In the wake of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, authorities have turned to DNA analysis to identify the victims. This process is crucial in mass fatality events where traditional identification methods may fail. The use of DNA is considered the gold standard for such identification.
DNA Collection and Preservation
DNA begins to degrade immediately after death. Factors influencing degradation include the type of tissue and environmental conditions. Cold and dry environments preserve DNA better than hot and humid ones. Therefore, prompt collection and proper storage are critical. Ideally, DNA samples should be frozen at minus 20 degrees Celsius. Soft tissues degrade faster than hard tissues, making bones and teeth preferred sources for DNA collection.
Reference Samples
To identify the collected DNA, reference samples from biological relatives are essential. Parents and children are the best candidates as they share 50% of their DNA. This familial connection increases the accuracy of the identification process.
Methods of DNA Analysis
After collecting samples, scientists extract DNA and choose from several methods based on DNA quality.
- Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis: This method examines repeating sequences of DNA. STRs vary among individuals, allowing for reliable identification. A profile created from 15 or more STR regions can confirm familial relationships.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis: Used when nuclear DNA is degraded, mtDNA is easier to recover from poorly preserved remains. It is passed down maternally, enabling identification through maternal relatives.
- Y Chromosome Analysis: This method focuses on the Y chromosome, which is inherited from father to son. It is useful when close male relatives are available for comparison, allowing identification through the paternal line.
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Analysis: This technique is employed for highly degraded DNA. SNPs are unique variations in the DNA sequence. They can be identified using reference samples from personal items, although this method is less effective than STR analysis.
Challenges in DNA Identification
The process of collecting DNA from crash sites can be lengthy. For instance, after the September 11 attacks, it took ten months to gather samples from nearly 3,000 victims. The scale of the tragedy directly impacts the speed of DNA identification.
Importance of Timely Action
Timely collection and analysis of DNA are vital in ensuring that victims are identified accurately and compassionately. The emotional burden on families necessitates swift action in the identification process.
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