Donate your hair for science
Scientists from the Forensic Biology and Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Biology, Evolution and Conservation of Invertebrates at the University of Wrocław are conducting research for which they need … hair.
‘Has anyone ever told you that you are splitting hairs?’
mgr Katarzyna Palacz from the research team: (laughs) ‘You are first, but there have always been questions about whether hair grows after death, which is an oft-repeated myth.’
‘Where did the idea for conducting research on hair come from?’
KP: ‘The whole idea of hair decomposition actually started during my Master’s studies when I saw a topic issued by Dr Małgorzata Bonar (Department of Human Biology, University of Wrocław). As I delved into the topic of hair and its place in forensic biology, I found this area of research to be very progressive. During my master’s studies, I conducted a pilot study. Its aim was to see if the decomposition of hair varied according to its colour. In this study, I placed hair in different environments, divided by their colour, and examined how they changed over time.’
‘And what did the research reveal?’
KP: ‘It turned out that hair decomposition occurred in an aquatic environment and in soil with an acidic pH. Additionally, hair decomposition was significantly faster among light and red hair than dark hair. This result confirmed the hypotheses posed in the study. The results of the research were significant enough to be published in a renowned journal – Forensic Science International.’
‘Now you’re writing your doctoral thesis, on what topic?’
KP: ‘During the doctoral study carried out in the Laboratory of Forensic Biology and Entomology, we want to extend the previous study. The aim of this project is to find out the mechanisms and patterns of hair decomposition. In this case, we are taking into account considerably more factors. Besides microscopic analysis, we will also be performing mycological analysis, i.e. the study of fungi.’
‘What does it mean? (hair decomposition patterns)’
KP: ‘In this study, we want to determine whether there are correlations between donor’s hair colour and sex, and hair decomposition in aquatic and soil environments. We will cyclically microscope the hair, describe and photograph the changes observed, and then perform the necessary statistical tests. We will also investigate the effects of keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi on hair, and, using special tests, compare their ability to decompose different hair colours.’
‘There are many stages to such research, where do you begin?’
KP: ‘The first stage is to find volunteers for the study. We are looking for at least 160 people.
‘Can the hair be dyed?’
KP: ‘No. It must be natural (undyed), from adults with no chronic illnesses. Individuals are selected on the basis of an application form and then contacted for an appointment to have their hair removed with tweezers.’
‘How much hair is needed from one person?’
KP: ‘We collect approximately 20 hairs from each person.’
‘And then…’
KP: ‘During the visit, participants will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire so that we can collectively later describe the study group. The hair obtained will then be subjected to degradation under aquatic and soil conditions.’
‘How long will this stage last? What will it involve?’
KP: ‘We will monitor the degradation changes cyclically using microscopy and photograph the changes. This stage will last approximately six months.’
‘And finally…’
KP: ‘… mycological analysis – it will provide insight into keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungal species from soils and water that significantly affect decomposition.’
‘And does the hair texture matter as well (straight, curly, wavy)?
KP: ‘To date, there are no studies that have examined the decomposition of hair in terms of its curl, or lack of it. However, we do know that there are some differences between straight, curly, and wavy hair. At this point, it is difficult to say whether there would be any difference in the rate of their decomposition, but such questions perfectly illustrate how unexplored this subject is and how little we still know about it. Nevertheless, it is another scientific path that should be explored.’
‘What purpose are your observations intended to serve?’
KP: ‘The obtained results will allow us to extend the existing knowledge of hair decomposition processes, which may contribute to their more frequent use in forensic investigations. During the project, we will attempt to determine the time of formation of degradative changes, which may enable the creation of a model of hair decomposition.’
‘So it will be possible, for example, to determine the time of death?’
KP: ‘This is what we are counting on. We wish this study to be the basis for a new tool in forensic science. In the future, we would like to be able to estimate the time of death from a hair or the time at which a hair was pulled out, for instance during a fight. This is particularly important because hair differs considerably from the more commonly used biological traces (e.g. blood, saliva). They are significantly more durable, so can be used for a longer period of time than other biological materials.’
‘Do you sometimes watch crime series?’
KP: ‘I used to watch crime series from time to time. As I am an anthropologist by training, I eagerly watched ‘Bones’, though I was aware that the techniques used in the series were heavily embellished. I really enjoy listening to crime podcasts that cover specific cases and the methods that were used to solve the case.’
‘Are you still looking for hair volunteers?
KP: ‘Yes, feel more than welcome!’
The interview conducted by Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz
To read more about the research visit the website.
Translated by Justyna Janik (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
