DNA Samples

[Ric.ror]

Will it ever be possible to deduce individual charateristics from a DNA sample? For example if a suspect left a dna sample at the scene of the crime would the police know to look for a male aged 20 - 30 with grey hair and blue eyes. Thats just an example by the way

[McMouse]

Even if it becomes possible I doubt if our police would get it right.

[WaldoMcFroog]

It would depend what sort of DNA sample they got.

They might conceivably be able to tell someone had blue eyes as this is genetically determined. Grey hair is thought to be a result of DNA damage, so would be unlikely to show up, I'd think - I could be wrong.

Age is not, of course, genetically determined, but there are terminators at the end of chromosomes called telemeres which shorten with age. This might enable someone to make an estimate of a person's age.