STUDENTS became super-sleuths for the day by trying out genetic fingerprinting.
Pupils from Fyndoune Community College, in Sacriston, and Deerness Valley Comprehensive, in Ushaw Moor, both near Durham, took part in the mock crime scene investigations yesterday.
The pupils, from years ten and 11, took swabs from inside their mouths to identify their own genetic fingerprint, then had to take samples from a mock murder scene set up at Fyndoune Community College and match them to suspects.
Alex Docherty, from the University of Sunderland, brought in DNA analysis equipment to help the students solve the mystery.
About 25 students took part in the project, which was designed to challenge and motivate talented pupils.
John Harpin, curriculum leader at science at Fyndoune Community College, said: "They were given the chance to experience technology not normally seen by people until they are well into their second or third year at university.
"They thoroughly enjoyed it."
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