Swedish police to use DNA methylation to estimate suspect age

The Swedish police are set to introduce a new forensic method this late autumn that allows investigators to estimate the age of unknown suspects through advanced DNA analysis. The technique, which utilizes DNA methylation—the analysis of chemical changes known as methyl groups that act as genetic switches—can determine a person's age within a certain interval.

The National Forensic Centre (NFC) in Linköping will primarily use this method for investigating serious crimes, such as murder and rape, where no suspect has been identified and standard database searches have failed. Currently, the method requires relatively large amounts of biological material, such as blood or semen, to be effective.

Maja Sidstedt, a senior molecular biologist at the NFC, noted that while the method is promising, its current requirement for significant DNA samples may limit its immediate use in solving cold cases. The NFC is also participating in an EU-funded research project running until 2029, aiming to develop more sensitive versions of this technology that could eventually work with smaller traces, such as cigarette butts or snus.