DNA, AI raise martyrs from ashes

Deng is among the few whose names are preserved in historical records. In Zunyi, over 3,000 Red Army soldiers gave their lives in tough battles during the Long March, the majority of whom remain unknown heroes.

Wen's team has been utilizing modern molecular archaeology techniques since 2015 to find their relatives. In 2023, the team expanded their research to comprehensively uncover the martyrs' names, images, family members, physical conditions, and life records.

To date, the team has completed DNA identifications for about 1,600 martyrs across China, restored the appearance of over 60 heroes, and helped more than 10 families of martyrs find their relatives.

Despite previous success, the team found it challenging when it received a mission from the Zunyi Red Army Martyrs Cemetery in 2024 to conduct DNA testing on the remains of 16 martyrs from the city and help identify their relatives.