Exploring Forensic Science & Primate Genetics With Sreetharan Kanthaswamy

Episode overview: wildlife forensics and DNA provenance explained

Professor Sri Tirunathaswamy describes how genetics and population genomics power modern forensic investigations—from mapping orangutan origins to building national canine DNA databases. This episode explains DNA profiling techniques, the value of neutral genetic markers, and practical applications in criminal and civil cases like trafficking, animal cruelty, and hair-transfer evidence.

How wildlife DNA forensics traces provenance and combats trafficking

Wildlife forensics uses biogeographic signals and population genetics to localize the origin of trafficked animals. By comparing genetic markers across populations, scientists can repatriate displaced orangutans and identify illegal trade routes. The conversation highlights real fieldwork collecting samples from wild and rehabilitated orangutans and applying parentage and population markers to inform conservation.

Forensic genomics: microsatellites, STRs, and neutral markers

The guest emphasizes using selectively neutral markers—microsatellites or short tandem repeats (STRs)—because they are highly polymorphic and reduce bias. These markers function like unique license plates in DNA profiling, allowing analysts to link suspects, victims, and crime scenes without invoking appearance or trait-based assumptions.

Building canine DNA databases for real-world cases

Professor Sri explains why a dog DNA database must represent mixed-breed populations, not just purebreds. Mixed-breed representation improves match accuracy for pet hair transfer, contaminated food cases, animal cruelty investigations, and linking suspects to scenes when animal evidence is present.

Epigenetics: potential insights and current limitations

Epigenetic profiling (methylation patterns) could theoretically indicate environmental history, but Sri cautions that epigenetic signals are highly variable, environmentally driven, and less reliable for provenance without controlled studies. Sequence identity and neutral markers remain the forensic workhorses for reliable evidence.

Practical forensics, training, and common pitfalls

The episode stresses collaborative lab culture, continuous training, and rigorous review. Common forensic mistakes include taking shortcuts, failing peer review, not updating technology knowledge, and resource limitations that cause backlogs—especially for sexual assault kit processing. Sri highlights that meticulous, interdisciplinary approaches yield the best forensic outcomes.

• Keywords and contexts: wildlife DNA forensics, canine DNA database, STR profiling, epigenetic limitations.
• Actionable approaches: favor neutral genetic markers, ensure mixed-breed representation, and prioritize training.

This episode is essential for anyone interested in forensic science careers, wildlife conservation genetics, or improving DNA evidence practices in criminal justice.