Analyzing hair samples to verify rare animal species claims.
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Analysis of hair samples using microscopical and molecular techniques to ascertain claims of rare animal species
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Zainuddin Zafarina, Sundararajulu Panneerchelvam
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Analysis of hair samples using microscopical and molecular techniques to ascertain claims of rare animal species
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The recent discovery of the Jenglot, a purported rare living animal species in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, raised significant curiosity and skepticism regarding its origins. An owner brought the Jenglot carcasses to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to exhibit them in a local museum. Following a request for DNA analysis to ascertain the species of the Jenglot, hair samples were collected from three distinct specimens, labeled A, B, C, and D. This study aimed to determine the species origin of the Jenglot hair through microscopic and genetic analysis.
Analysis of Hair Origin
The examination of the hair samples indicated that they were of human origin, as confirmed by both morphological characteristics and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. Microcopically, all samples exhibited imbricate scale patterns typical of human hair, a medullary index of less than 1/3, and pigment distribution towards the cuticle, which are all distinctive features that separate human hair from animal hair. The DNA sequencing of the mtDNA hypervariable segment I revealed a consistent haplotype across all samples, indicative of a human lineage. These findings confidently refuted the claims that the Jenglot was an unidentified animal species by demonstrating that the hair was actually implanted on the carcasses.
Conclusion
The combination of classical morphological analysis and mtDNA sequencing provided robust evidence confirming the human origin of the hair samples associated with the Jenglot. The results of this investigation highlight the efficacy of forensic analysis in debunking myths surrounding purported rare species, ultimately concluding that the Jenglot is not a rare animal species as claimed, but rather a construct involving human hair. Thus, this case emphasizes the importance of scientific scrutiny in the examination of extraordinary claims regarding natural phenomena.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the origin of the Jenglot hair samples analyzed?
The hair samples collected from Jenglots exhibited characteristics indicating human origin. Microscopic analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing confirmed that all samples were human hairs, disproving claims that Jenglots represent a rare animal species.
How was the hair sampled from the Jenglots for analysis?
Hair samples were collected from three different Jenglots using scissors, specifically from the head region. They were labeled A, B, C, and D, representing different physical appearances and colors of the samples.
What techniques were used to determine the hair's origin?
Morphological analysis under a microscope identified distinct human characteristics. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed a human-specific haplotype consistent across all samples, establishing their human origin.
What findings disproved the Jenglot as a rare species?
The analysis indicated that the hair samples were indeed human, characterized by imbricate scales and a medullary index below 1/3. The presence of dye granules further suggested that the hairs were artificially implanted.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analyzing hair samples to verify rare animal species claims.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Hair:
Hair is an outgrowth of the skin found only in mammals, including humans. In forensic science, hair analysis helps in identifying species and individual origins through microscopic characteristics and DNA analysis. The study focuses on hair samples of the Jenglot, revealing their human origin rather than being a rare species.
2) Animal:
The term 'animal' is relevant because the Jenglot was initially claimed to be a rare living animal species. The investigation involved determining whether the hair samples came from an animal or a human. Specific microscopic traits help differentiate human hair from animal hair, which is essential in forensic examinations.
3) Species:
In biological classification, 'species' refers to a group of organisms capable of interbreeding. This term is crucial in the study as it pertains to the Jenglot, which was thought to belong to a rare species. The findings indicated the hair samples were not from an animal species, but human.
4) Surface:
The word 'surface' is significant when discussing the characteristics of hair in forensic analysis. Surface features, such as cuticle scales, are crucial for identifying whether hair samples are of human or animal origin. The surface characteristics of the samples played a key role in the conclusions drawn about their origin.
5) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' encompasses the systematic study of the natural world and is central to the methodology employed in the hair analysis. Forensic science, in particular, applies scientific principles to legal contexts, allowing investigators to draw conclusions based on evidence from the hair samples purportedly from the Jenglot.
6) Table:
In the context of the study, a 'table' presents the results of morphological examinations of the hair samples. The table systematically organizes data such as color, medulla presence, and pigment distribution, aiding in the interpretation of findings and validating the conclusion that the samples are of human origin.
7) Jaya (Jāyā, Jayā):
Jaya, specifically referring to Irian Jaya, Indonesia, is relevant as the geographical context where the Jenglot was claimed to originate. Identifying the region helps trace the cultural and mythical background associated with the Jenglot, while the sample analysis disproved the claims that it was a rare animal species.
8) Discussion:
The term 'discussion' refers to the section where findings are interpreted and implications are considered. It is vital for evaluating the results from the hair analysis and DNA sequencing, as it contextualizes how these findings align with or contradict existing beliefs about the Jenglot's nature and origin.
9) Relative:
In genetic terms, 'relative' pertains to the relationship between individuals based on shared genes. The findings indicated a human-specific mitochondrial DNA haplotype across the samples, suggesting a close relationship among the individuals from whom the hair originated, reinforcing that the samples were not from a distinct species.
10) Cutting:
The word 'cutting' is important as it describes the method employed to collect hair samples from the Jenglots. The technique used to obtain the samples (cutting the hair at the distal end) is relevant for understanding the sample integrity and the implications for the characteristics noticed during analysis.
11) Nature:
In this context, 'nature' pertains to the inherent qualities or characteristics of the Jenglot. The findings regarding the hair's microscopic and genetic characteristics reveal the true nature of the Jenglot as being human-derived, rather than a unique or rare animal species, disputing mythological claims.
12) Police:
Police play a crucial role in forensic investigations, often utilizing scientific analysis to solve legal cases. Although the study did not directly involve police work, the analysis and methodology employed are representative of forensic approaches that law enforcement may use in practical applications involving hair evidence.
13) Medium:
In the scientific context, 'medium' can refer to the means by which samples are analyzed or information is presented. In this study, the term may relate to the methods and materials used for DNA extraction and microscopic analysis, as well as the overall communication of findings.
14) Water:
Water is significant as it was used in the microscopic analysis of the hair samples. The preparation of the hair samples involved adding water to hold the strands in place for examination. This step is crucial for accurately observing the morphological characteristics necessary for identification.
15) Birth:
The term 'birth' refers to the development of hair follicles during fetal development and the idea that no new hair follicles are formed after birth in humans. This biological fact is central to understanding hair characteristics and forensic applications; all hair samples analyzed are consistent with human development.
16) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to the investigation into the hair samples to ascertain their origin. It encompasses the entire methodology—from sample collection to microscopic and DNA analyses—and underlines the scientific approach to resolving ambiguities surrounding the Jenglot's classification as either a rare species or not.
17) Java:
Java is significant because it provides geographical context as the hair samples were bought from West Java before being displayed in Kuala Lumpur. Understanding the local myths and folklore around the Jenglot and its reported origin in Java helps frame the investigation and its cultural implications.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Analyzing hair samples to verify rare animal species claims.’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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