Mastering the technology for identifying the remains of fallen soldiers.

Professor, Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, delivered a speech at the event.

The event took place in a special atmosphere, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and celebrating the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. It was also a profound tribute to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation, and an expression of gratitude to their families.

Speaking at the event, Professor, Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said: "This event holds profound significance, not only expressing our gratitude to the heroes who sacrificed for the Fatherland, but also marking an important step in the effort to apply modern technologies to serve noble and humane missions. These scientific and technological advancements are implemented not only with a sense of responsibility but also with heartfelt respect for those who have fallen and the families who have waited for decades."

According to Professor and Doctor Chu Hoang Ha, over the years Vietnam has made efforts to apply DNA testing methods, with mitochondrial DNA testing being a crucial technology contributing to the identification of many fallen soldiers. However, over time, the technical limitations of this method have gradually become apparent, such as: the amount of genetic data obtained is small and the segregation is not high enough, the probability of random coincidence in a large population is high; in many cases, close relatives of the fallen soldiers are no longer alive, and there is a lack of supporting evidence… These factors make identifying the fallen soldiers very difficult.

As the leading research institution in the country, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has proactively approached, researched, and implemented the most advanced DNA testing technologies in the world .

The new DNA testing technology process is the result of the persistent efforts of the staff of the DNA Testing Center - Institute of Biology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, in collaboration with international experts and forensic geneticists from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).

Scientists from both sides have jointly researched, selected, and perfected a technology process for identification suitable to the practical conditions of Vietnam. This activity is within the framework of the Vietnam-US cooperation project on "Enhancing the capacity for identifying missing persons in war," led by the Institute of Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

The new DNA identification technology process combines optimized DNA extraction methods, the use of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers of the nuclear genome, next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, and a software system for data management and merging.

This technological process allows for the accurate determination of kinship along both paternal and maternal lines up to 4-5 generations, and is particularly suitable for samples of remains of fallen soldiers that have been buried for many years, where only poor-quality and fragmented DNA (average size of about 50-70 bp) can be recovered, often failing with currently used identification methods.

A new identification technology process has been applied at the Tra Linh Martyrs' Cemetery (Cao Bang province) to 58 remains samples. Nearly 90% of the total samples yielded SNP marker data that met the criteria for comparison and matching to aid in identification.

Handing over the DNA test results confirming the identity of the remains of fallen soldiers.

The first matching analysis accurately identified the two martyrs as Martyr Hoang Van Hoa and Martyr Tran Van Can. Mastering and successfully applying the new technology process helps overcome the limitations of the mitochondrial DNA identification process for martyrs' remains, opening up a comprehensive solution to the long-standing "technical bottlenecks" in identifying the remains of martyrs in Vietnam (severely decomposed remains, lack of verifiable information, or absence of close relatives).

According to the National Steering Committee 515, there are currently more than 300,000 remains of martyrs nationwide whose identities have not been determined, and nearly 200,000 martyrs whose remains have not yet been collected. Vietnam aims to complete DNA testing for approximately 20,000 samples of martyrs' remains by 2030.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology will continue to refine and standardize DNA testing procedures; closely coordinate with the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies to expand the application of new technologies at many cemeteries nationwide, contributing to achieving the Party and Government's goal of identifying martyrs whose information is incomplete.

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Source: https://nhandan.vn/lam-chu-cong-nghe-giam-dinh-hai-cot-liet-si-post929579.html