Applying the methods ofradiocarbon datingIn the proteins of the eye, a team of researchers from the universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus, in Denmark, has managed to establish with absolute precision the year of birth of a deceased individual. The new method will be especially useful forforensic Medicinewhen determining the age of an unidentified corpse, according to the magazinePLoS ONE.
The technique focuses on thecrystalline, a component of the eye shaped like a biconvex lens that contains a high concentration of proteins. These proteins, called crystallines, are packed in such a way that they behave like transparent glass, allowing light to pass through. From the moment we are conceived until we are 2 years of age, the eye constantly synthesizes new proteins. However, from that moment on, the lens does not regenerate and retains the same composition until the end of our life.
This peculiarity has been exploited by Professor Niels and his team, who decided to measure the concentration ofCarbon-14. Carbon-14 dating is a technique used by paleontologists and geologists to determine the age of organic samples, which is based on the fact that the concentration of this element in a living being is kept in equilibrium with that of the atmosphere. until his death, when the concentration of the radioisotope begins to decrease.
In the case of the lens, its carbon-14 content would reflect the atmospheric concentration at 1-2 years of age of the individual. Using just one milligram of eye tissue, and with the help of a nuclear accelerator, researchers have been able to calculate the birth years of various corpses with surprising precision. Until now, to estimate the age of a corpse, forensics had to resort to examining the teeth and skeletal remains. This method had a margin of error of 3 years in children and up to 10 years in adults, much higher than the new technique.
Lynnerup has announced that the following will be to apply this same method in thecancer cellsto determine when exactly they were formed and to better understand the evolution of cancer.
