DNA left at a crime scene could be used in the future to build up a picture of an offender's face, which was re?vealed tonight.

A first step towards genetic mugshots has been taken by researchers in the US who link specific DNA markers with face shapes. To identify the genes, they focused on known mutations (突变)that cause changes of the face and head. Normal versions of these genes were found to influence individual features. For in?stance, one gene affected the lips, another the shape and configuration of bones around the eyes, and a third the appearance of the mid-face and skull. In total, 20 genes had "significant effects" on facial appearance.

Lead scientist Professor Mark Shriver, from the Penn?sylvania State University? said, "We use DNA to match to an individual or identify an individual, but we can get so much more from DNA. Currently we can't go from DNA to a face, or from a face to DNA, but it should be possible." The implications are far-reaching, raising the possibility of creating a data bank of facial types based on genetic markers. DNA from a crime scene could then be used to produce a rough image of the face of an offender or vic?tim. Such genetic mugshots may be more reliable than computer-generated "E-fits" based on witnesses' memo?ry. Other uses of the technique might include proving the identities of fathers in paternity cases, or visualizing our remote ancestors from fossil DNA.

The scientists wrote in the online journal Public Li?brary of Science Genetics, " Such predictive modelling could be forensically useful. For example, DNA left at crime scenes could be tested and faces could be predicted in order to help to narrow the pool of potential suspects. Further, our methods could be used to predict the facial features of descendants, deceased ancestors, and even extinct human species. In addition, these methods could prove to be useful diagnostic tools. " The team devel?oped a model which first established a range of physical face shapes from people of mixed West African and Eu?ropean ancestry from the US, Brazil and Cape Verde. Measurements were taken of thousands of point coordi?nates on grids placed over 3-D images of the faces.


Statistical methods were then used to determine the relationship between facial differences and the effects of genders, ethnic ancestry and individual gene variants.

5.    The underlined word "mugshots" in the second paragraph most probably means "

A,  different faces B. characteristics

C.  pictures of faces     D. genders

6.    What can be inferred from the passage?

A.    DNA has been used to build up a picture of an offender's face.

B.    It may be much easier to catch criminals with the help of DNA.

C.    In all, 20 genes had"significant effects"on facial appearance.

D.    One gene can affect more than one part of your face.

7.    According  to  Professor  Mark  Shriver ,   we know

A.    they can merely match to an individual or identi?fy an individual

B.    there is a possibility of going from DNA to a face

C.    DNA could be used to produce a rough image of an offender's face

D.    this technology is more reliable than computer-gen?erated "E-fits"

8.    What is the most possible title of the passage?

A.    Creating a data bank of DNA

B.    Recognizing the DNA of criminals

C.    Predicting the locations of offences using DNA

D.    Building up an image of an offender's face from DNA

Salvation Army Angel Tree Programme

Angel Tree collects gifts for children and families in need. Participate by selecting an angel from any Angel Tree at all Cyprus Credit Union locations or any Utah Macy's Department store. Shop for your angel , and then return your new, unwrapped gift to the same An?gel Tree. Gifts must be returned before December 14. For more information, call 801-988-5678 in the Salt Lake area,801-374-2588 in the Provo area.

Utah Association for People with Intellectual Disabil?ities Holiday Gift Box Programme

"The programme serves primarily low-income adults with intellectual disabilities who don't qualify for other programmes because of age limits," said Joyce Whalen, the association's board president. To donate, visit the association at 1326 S. 2100 East from 9 am to about 5 : 30 pm to choose an ornament(装饰物)that pro?vides information about an individual who will benefit from the programme. Shop for new items and return them by December 14. Donations of generic items, such as towels, socks and hygiene(卫生)products are also accepted, as are monetary donations. For more informa?tion, call 801-440-1674.

Utah Foster Care Foundation's Giving Tree Pro?gramme

The programme seeks new gifts and cash donations to fulfil the holiday wishes of more than 1,000 children in state-licensed foster homes. "Many of the children in care have been removed from their biological homes be?cause of neglect or abuse," said Nikki Mackay, the foundation's director. "Christmas can be a difficult time for them.  To learn how to support the programme, call 877-505-5437.

Utah State Hospital Forgotten Patient Programme 

The programme provides Christmas gifts for hundreds of patients with mental illness. In the history of the programme, which may go back as far as 60 years, organizer Shawna Peterson said, "We've never had a forgotten patient. ,, And she doesn't want this year to change that. To support the programme , contact Peterson at 801-344-6088.

5.    After you buy a gift, you should   .

A.    post it to where you bought

B.    open its package to examine it

C.    send it to families in need for yourself

D.    bring it back in its original form

6.    The underlined phrase "biological homes" in the third programme refers to " A.    homes where they are just brought up

B.    homes where their natural parents live

C.    homes where they learn biology

D.    homes which are related to bacteria

7.    From the last programme, we can infer that .

A.    the patients often forgot to come to the hospital

B.    the patients are often forgotten to be looked after

C.    the patients are being taken good care of

D.    the patients had a poor memory in the hospital

违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com

精英家教网