Microbial GPS: A Breakthrough in Forensic Investigations
A research team from Lund University in Sweden has unveiled an innovative AI tool, Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS), which traces the geographical origins of microorganisms with remarkable accuracy. Acting like a satellite navigation system for bacteria, mGPS offers groundbreaking potential for medicine, epidemiology, and forensic science by linking microbial samples to specific environments such as cities, beaches, or forests.
A Revolutionary Approach to Microbial Fingerprints
Microorganisms, including bacteria, constantly interact with their surroundings, leaving unique microbial traces on individuals. These traces, often referred to as a microbiome, can now be used to determine where someone has recently been. The research, published in Genome Biology and Evolution, demonstrates how microbial fingerprints can function as location markers.
“Unlike human DNA, the human microbiome changes as we interact with different environments. By tracking these changes, we can understand disease spread, identify infection sources, and even provide forensic evidence,” says Eran Elhaik, the lead researcher.
Mapping Microbial Communities with AI
The study utilised extensive microbiome datasets from urban areas, soils, and marine ecosystems to train an AI model. The system successfully linked microbial fingerprints to specific locations with impressive precision. For example:
– 92% of city samples were correctly linked to their city of origin.
– In Hong Kong, mGPS identified the exact underground station of origin with 82% accuracy.
– In New York City, the tool distinguished microbiomes on handrails and kiosks just one metre apart.
This level of precision underscores the potential of mGPS for applications such as mapping disease outbreaks or assisting forensic investigations.
The Future of Microbiome Forensics
With a database encompassing thousands of microbiome samples from diverse environments, mGPS provides a new lens to understand the relationship between microorganisms and their habitats. Elhaik and his team are now planning to expand their research by mapping the microbiomes of entire cities. “This is just the beginning of a new era in forensics”, Elhaik says. “We hope to not only boost investigations but also deepen our understanding of the organisms that inhabit our streets, gardens, and even our bodies”. This research opens the door to more precise forensic tools that could redefine how investigators gather and use microbial evidence, offering new possibilities in solving crimes and improving public health outcomes.
Republished courtesy of Lund University
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