Panjab University scientist to showcase work at US meet

Chandigarh, February 16

Use of novel scientific techniques of stable isotopeanalysis and molecular scrutinisation of dental calculus deposits applied for identification of unknown human remains by Dr JS Sehrawat, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, has attracted the attention and recognition of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Dr Sehrawat will make a presentation at the 76th Annual Scientific Conference of the academy being held at Colorado Convention Centre, Denver (US), from February 19 to 24.

He will explain the significance of oxygen, strontium, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis for estimating geolocality and food consumption behaviour of the victims the skeletal remains of whom were found in Ajnala in Punjab in 2014. He will also discuss humanitarian forensic challenges faced in the identification and repatriation of the Ajnala skeletal remains.

He will elaborate how the yellowish crusty deposition on human teeth can used for identification of the host as well as the microbiome in oral cavity of the host, from ancient DNA extraction/sequencing and isotopic analyses from the calculus deposits.