India’s first allergen forensics laboratory to come up in Hyderabad’s Nanakramguda

The groundbreaking allergen laboratory has the potential to open a new chapter in crime investigations by identifying minute pollen deposits from crime scenes, a science that is also known as forensic palynology

Hyderabad: Like a scene straight from a crime novel, for the first time in India, senior allergy specialists from Hyderabad have launched an Allergen Forensics Laboratory, aimed at arming investigators with evidence to unlock mysteries through pollen deposits.

The groundbreaking allergen laboratory, coming up at Nanakramguda, has the potential to open a new chapter in crime investigations by identifying minute pollen deposits from crime scenes, a science that is also known as forensic palynology.

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In a step towards establishing forensic allergy as a research subject and Forensics Allergen Laboratory, founder of World Allergy Foundation Dr Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar on Friday entered into an MoU with his counterparts at Centurian University in Hyderabad. The initiative brings together experts from allergy super-speciality, forensic science and botany to study of airborne allergens and their forensic significance.

By analysing pollen and fungal traces at crime scenes, investigators can gain critical insights into the location, movement and timelines of criminal activities. This scientific evidence will serve as a powerful tool for law enforcement agencies, helping them identify criminals and close cases with greater accuracy.

Sharing that the idea of developing allergic forensic research was inspired from his teacher, aerobiologist late Dr Shripad Agashe, a senior faculty at CMC Vellore, Dr Vyakaranam said: “Dr Agashe used to share his immense knowledge about pollens and its multiple applications in various situations. This is our first-of-its-kind attempt to launch allergen forensics, with a special focus on forensic palynology, not only as an investigative tool but also as academics.”

The research of the allergy specialists will focus on identifying pollen, fungal spores and mold in diverse locations, including indoor and outdoor environments, crime scenes, vehicle components, clothing and personal belongings. The collected samples will undergo advanced microscopic examination to determine the type, species and concentration of airborne allergens.

Allergen forensics and palynology is a well-developed science in several western countries. “This is a developed science in the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Austria. Some European countries such as Austria have historical significance in the development of palynology, with many earliest of the cases. Apart from investigations, our research in diagnosis and treatment will continue,” Dr Vyakaranam said.