## Moss and Forensic Science: A Surprising Connection LANSING — Can tiny pieces of moss become crime-busters? According to a new study from Michigan State University (MSU) researchers, the answer is yes. Scientists have discovered that moss, a simple and enduring plant found in moist environments, can play an unexpected role in solving criminal cases. ### How Moss Could Help Investigators The research shows that moss absorbs and retains traces of environmental DNA (eDNA), including microscopic clues that may link suspects or victims to specific locations. By analyzing moss samples from crime scenes, investigators can find evidence that conventional forensic methods might miss. MSU botanists collaborated with forensic teams to test how mosses capture genetic and chemical markers. These tiny plants, often overlooked, proved surprisingly effective in documenting environmental conditions and biological traces over time. > "Mosses are nature’s silent witnesses," said one of the lead researchers. "They grow slowly, persist for years, and can trap microscopic particles from their surroundings. That makes them valuable for forensic work." ### Potential and Real-World Applications This approach could assist in murder investigations where traditional evidence such as fingerprints or blood samples is unavailable. Moss samples found on clothing, vehicles, or near a grave site might contain soil-specific DNA or pollution markers that reveal a location’s identity. Researchers hope their findings will encourage law enforcement to view natural materials like moss, lichens, and algae as additional forensic resources. More studies are underway to establish standardized methods for collecting and analyzing plant-based evidence. ### The Science Behind the Green Detectives Moss belongs to a group of non-vascular plants that absorb nutrients and water directly from the air and surfaces around them. Because they lack roots, mosses are especially sensitive to local environmental factors — effectively recording what happens in their microhabitat. This property is what makes them valuable for tracking environmental pollutants and, now, potentially connecting suspects to crime scenes. *** **Author Summary:** MSU researchers found that moss can hold environmental DNA and other clues that may help forensic experts link suspects or victims to specific crime scenes.

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Bridge Michigan — 2025-11-29