isotopic determination of animal origin

[Rod17]

A recent thread questioned how the place of origin could be determined and much was posted regarding DNA etc. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized nucleic acid analysis .

However --- It is very easy to track the travel habits on anything or anyone - by the isotopic content of body water. This is being used now to determine travel habits of - oh, let just say "people of interest".

The water in every locale has a unique composition of naturally occurring isotopes and this is directly reflected in the isotopes found in our cells. The turn over this isotope pool is slow and changes in travel (drinking local water) is reflected in a new isotopic profile.

Any college chemistry lab could determine your point of origin with a simple biopsy (hair, skin, blood).

Big brother knows where you are, where you've been and where your cat came from.

So, always carry some bottled water from out of state.

Randy

[trappnman]

interesting! (or drink beer)

[Rod17]

Hi Steve, -- the beer idea works for me!

[TurTLe]

As long as it's not beer from a local brewery.