# DNA Mugshots Scientists Use Tiny Piece of DNA to Determine Criminals' Appearance By Allison Love | Published 2010-05-22 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dna-mugshots References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5544468/how-dna-will-be-used-to-create-mugshots) & [io9](http://io9.com/5542776/how-forensics-experts-use-dna-to-create-mugshots-of-a-criminals-face) Scientists are trying to figure out a way to create sketched DNA mugshots from a tiny little piece of DNA. Apparently your DNA reveals a lot about what you look like, and not only your genetic makeup. A tiny piece of DNA can determine [eye colour and hair colour](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/directtoconsumer-genetic-testing), but it can also trace your ancestry to a particular region (which, according to scientists, can give clues about what you look like). The scientists used an old piece of DNA to determine [what a prehistoric man looked like](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-baby-generator1), so why couldn't DNA mugshots work for today's criminals? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [World News](https://www.trendhunter.com/worldnews) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dna-based Facial Recognition:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop technology that uses DNA samples to create accurate facial reconstructions for identification purposes. - **Genetic-ancestral Phenotype Analysis:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create algorithms that analyze DNA to predict physical characteristics based on genetic ancestry, enabling personalized visual representations. - **Forensic Genetic Visualization:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build software or tools to visualize genetic information as mugshots, aiding criminal investigations and suspect identification. ### Where This Applies - **Forensic Science:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Discover new forensic techniques that leverage DNA to provide detailed physical descriptions of individuals involved in crimes. - **Biotechnology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advance biotechnological research and applications to accurately infer physical traits from DNA, potentially impacting fields like personal genomics and healthcare. - **Law Enforcement Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge tools and systems that combine DNA analysis with facial recognition technology to enhance criminal investigations and identification processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ancient DNA Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myheritage-ancient-origins.md) - [At-Home Genetic Testing Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dnalabs.md) - [DNA-Powered Hair Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dnapowered-hair-growth-system.md) - [Time-Altering Digital Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-machine-feature.md) - [Loyalty-Focused Branded DNA Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/branded-dna-kit.md) - [Skincare Diagnostic Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skincare-test-kits.md) - [DNA-Based Nutrition Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/habit.md) - [Family Resemblance Analyzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youorme.md) - [Genetic Athleticism Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancestrydna.md)