Population Distribution and Factors Affecting Individual DNA Shedding Propensity, New York City, New York, 2019-2022

This two-phase forensic science study examined how much DNA individuals carry on their skin surface. The main goal for phase 1 was the development of a standardized method to test for human DNA shedding propensity. Shedding propensity is defined as how much DNA a person leaves behind when touching a surface. In phase 1 the research team collected skin surface samples and fingerprints from different locations for 30 volunteers on three different occasions.
The main goal of phase 2 was to use the sampling location established in phase 1 to determine the distribution of different levels of individual shedding propensity in four U.S. ethnic groups and correlate DNA shedding to biological characteristics of these test populations. Biological characteristics (e.g., sunburn or sweating propensity) were collected via a questionnaire or measured via dermatological probes (e.g., sebum and melanin content).