Levels of mitochondrial DNA - a female genetic marker only carried down the female line - is similar all along the coast, regardless of language.

To trace the source of meat, or even leather goods, scientists can use DNA barcoding, which uses a short genetic marker from the sample to identify it.

But it is an open question, given all the genetic damage in a cancer cell, as to which type of damage would be the best marker of a tumor's presence.