Pen DNA

One of darkest criminal mysteries in France, the murder of a little boy a quarter century ago, is back in the news after investigators found DNA on a poison-pen letter. The body of Gregory Villemin (4) was found tied up in the Vologne river in Vosges mountains, in October 1984. The next day, a letter arrived at his home claiming responsibility for the murder. The case was wrapped up in 2001 without identifying the murderer. Prosecutors relaunched the probe last December in the light of new DNA testing techniques and the results of a five-month expert analysis were filed with the state prosecutor on Thursday.

DNA pigs

Legs of Spain's top Jamon Iberico now come with their own DNA certificate to prove they are the purest as well as the world's most expensive hams. Spain's top producer has enlisted the help of scientists to prove that his pigs are of the purebred Spanish variety and not crossed with lesser British or American breeds. Gourmets from across the globe are eagerly waiting for the hams, which will hit the market next month. Only 100 legs from the "prince of pigs" are available and with a starting price of 1,500 euros (£1,380) each, they have been dubbed by foodies as the "RollsRoyce of Spanish ham".