It turns out that fingerprints can now be used not only to determine someone’s identity, but also what materials the individual had recently been holding. Scientists are able to use a program that provides an image of the chemical structure of the fingerprint, a characteristic that is extremely specific to each fingerprint. This is useful in a crime scene because it can serve as evidence that a suspect had touched the possible weapon used.
Furthermore, forensic scientists have developed a new method of fingerprint analysis that allows them to separate multiple fingerprints that overlap. Demian R. Ifa explains, "By looking for compounds we know to be present in a certain fingerprint, we can separate it from the others and obtain a crystal clear image of that fingerprint. The image could then be used with fingerprint recognition software to identify an individual." The process uses mass spectrometry, a technique that turns molecules into ions so that their masses can then be analyzed. They spray a stream of water in the presence of electrical fields, creating positively charged water droplets. These water droplets are then put onto the material being tested and the ion is transferred to the sample.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807144246.htm
3 comments:
I think that this a good current event. It is very relevant to what we are studying in class. We just had a test on the importance of physical evidence, specifically finger prints. I think that the topic is not only relevant, but interesting. I had no idea that this was possible. The information is presented well, also. I liked that the author included a direct quotation.
Perhaps a little more information could have been given on this new discovery. Also, the author could have better explained exactly why this finding is so important, in her opinion.
I did not think that finger prints could be more helpful to solving a crime that they already were.
This was very interesting, and the author presented the information clearly. I also liked that they described the methods used to separate the fingerprints. To improve, the method of determining the materials the individual had been holding could have been described. It might have been nice to hear the author’s opinion as well. I did not know there was a way to separate overlapping fingerprints.
The article was very interesting and it fits directly with what we're learning in class. The information is summarized in a well fashioned manner. You could have included more information on how this compares with the methods of fingerprinting currently. Otherwise, you did a good job.
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