UGA is partnering with Project Recover to develop a portable eDNA system for detecting human DNA at MIA burial sites, led by Professors Laurie Reitsema and Magdy Alabady. This cutting-edge research aims to revolutionize the search for missing soldiers by using minimally invasive soil and water samples to pinpoint unmarked graves. The portable eDNA system works by analyzing traces of genetic material left behind in the environment. When a person is buried, their DNA can persist in the surrounding soil and water. This technology allows researchers to detect these genetic markers without disturbing the site, making it a faster and less invasive approach compared to traditional excavation methods. In a recent field mission at Texas State University’s Forensic Anthropology Research Facility, the team tested this technology by collecting hundreds of samples from known and suspected burial sites. Reitsema’s expertise in anthropology plays a pivotal role in refining methods for accurate and efficient DNA detection, helping to bring missing soldiers home faster.
