Human hair has been found to contain a protein which may help in identifying individuals uniquely.

According to research conducted by US Energy Department scientists, this breakthrough may be a viable alternative to DNA profiling. The research focuses on a new technique of analyzing genetic mutations in proteins contained in hair.

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Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California studied hair from 76 living people and six skeletal remains. Science Daily reported that living samples were gathered from people belonging to European, American, and African heritage. The skeletal remains used in the study were up to 250 years old. Researchers have found 185 hair protein markers so far, which they believe are sufficient for identifying a person from a population of one million.

According to Washington Post,  hair protein analysis may prove to be a superior technique than a visual comparison of hair. The new method may also supplement the current DNA testing. The researchers, however, pointed out the limitation of their small sample size.

Brad Hart, the director of Forensic Science Center of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory who co-authored the paper, said that the technology is still in a very early phase. The research found that DNA mutations might cause changes in amino acids. These changes may be measured, and the data may be used for identifying a person. The research concluded that the pattern and number of protein markers for each person were unique.

The center collaborated with Protein-Based Identification Technologies, based in Utah. It also worked with researchers from seven universities in Britain and the United States.