FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1 

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM 

Title of research need: 1. Applications of the microbiome in DNA transfer and human identification.

Describe

the need:

There are potential applications for the microbiome in crime scene processing and human

identification, particularly in situations such as DNA transfer, body fluid identification, and

phenotyping. Larger studies are needed to assess longevity of profile, best methods for

recovery, and statistical analysis. Additional questions must be addressed such as what is

the level of specificity necessary for microbiome characterization and how to determine

appropriate targets for analysis.

Keyword(s): Microbiome, human identification, DNA transfer

Submitting subcommittee(s): Human Biology Date Approved: 10/05/2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

DNA transfer and new methods for human identification 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No 

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: 

1) Watanabe, Hikaru, et al. "Minor taxa in human skin microbiome contribute to the personal identification." PloS 

one 13.7 (2018): e0199947.

2) Wilkins, David, et al. "Diurnal variation in the human skin microbiome affects accuracy of forensic microbiome 

matching." Microbiome 9.1 (2021): 1-12.

3) Kaszubinski, Sierra F., et al. "Evaluating bioinformatic pipeline performance for forensic microbiome 

analysis." Journal of forensic sciences 65.2 (2020): 513-525.

4) Ghemrawi, Mirna, et al. "The genital microbiome and its potential for detecting sexual assault." Forensic science 

international: genetics 51 (2021): 102432.

5) López, Celia Díez, et al. "Microbiome-based body site of origin classification of forensically relevant blood 

traces." Forensic Science International: Genetics 47 (2020): 102280.

6) Neckovic, Ana, et al. "Challenges in human skin microbial profiling for forensic science: a review." Genes 11.9 

(2020): 1015.

7) Phan, Katherine, et al. "Retrieving forensic information about the donor through bacterial profiling." International 

journal of legal medicine 134.1 (2020): 21-29.
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4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes, Increased information about the discriminatory power and sensitivity of alternate biological analyses (e.g., 

proteomics, microbiome, plants, animals) to associate individuals with crime scene evidence 

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities? 

Provide alternative methods for human ID, phenotyping and body fluid id. Useful in situations where human 

DNA may not be present or is less probative. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)? 

Develop better statistical tools for microbial forensics 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system? 

Alternate methods for crime scene analysis. 

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): II

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge 

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge 

 

 No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III 

 Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV 

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an

informational resource to the community.