Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in the 1950s and it has successfully made its way into different fields of medicine. Forensic sciences and AI are increasingly intersecting fields that hold tremendous potential for solving complex criminal investigations. Considering the great evolution in the technologies applied to forensic genetics, this literature review aims to explore the existing body of research that investigates the application of AI in the field of forensic genetics. Scopus and Web of Science were searched: after an accurate evaluation, 12 articles were included in the present systematic review. The application of AI in the field of forensic genetics has predominantly focused on two aspects. Firstly, several studies have investigated the use of AI in haplogroup analysis to enhance and expedite the classification process of DNA samples. Secondly, other research groups have utilized AI to analyze short tandem repeat (STR) profiles, thereby minimizing the risk of misinterpretation. While AI has proven to be highly useful in forensic genetics, further improvements are needed before using these applications in real cases. The main challenge lies in the communication gap between forensic experts: as AI continues to advance, the collaboration between forensic sciences and AI presents immense potential for transforming investigative practices, enabling quicker and more precise case resolutions.