Forensic DNA profiling might be about to take a big leap forward. Are we ready? | Cath Ennis

Advances in epigenetics mean incredibly detailed profiles of criminal suspects might soon be reality. Is the legal system ready to use this information?

Picture the scene. A detective is addressing her team:

"The DNA test results are in. We're looking for a white male suspect, 34-37 years old, born in the summer in a temperate climate. He's used cocaine in the past. His mother smoked, but he doesn't. He drinks heavily, like his Dad. We're seeing high stress levels, and looking at the air pollution markers, let's start looking downtown, probably near a major intersection".