Imagine being able to pick up a fired bullet and successfully obtain a fingerprint clear enough to accuse the bullets owner? Well now it is possible thanks to Dr. John Bond, forensic research scientist at the University of Leicester and Northamptonshire police department. Dr. Bond has discovered a way to find fingerprints of bullet cartridges and bombs, even after they have been detonated. The military is hoping to put this skill to good use by using it to identify the makers of road-side-bombs in Afghanistan. The test works by coating the item under examination with a powder that, when exposed to an electric charge, corrodes metal in the same pattern as the fingerprints. Unlike normal fingerprinting, washing and wiping will do no good in attempting to get rid of fingerprint. Hopefully, in the next few months we will get to see this fingerprint test on the front lines of the war.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826080812.htm
3 comments:
Max, you did a fine job of summarizing the article. It was very interesting to read how scientists have figured out a way to identify fingerprints on bullets and cartridges. I recall for awhile they were trying to determine whether or not it was possible to identify fingerprints on ammunition and to see that scientists have discovered a way is fascinating to me. This discovery would be extremely useful in finding out those who participated in bloody wars.
I enjoyed reading Max's article because it proves just how far we as a civilization have progressed in the field of forensic science. Since the invention of the gun, the mere thought of identifying a fingerprint on a bullet was believed to be inconceivable. Now we have reached an era where all of that is possible. I liked how Max introduced the article and discussed the information because he was able to make it particularly suspenseful, yet insightful. I liked how he told us how the technique to track the bullets is going to be used towards modern dilemnas -- road-side bombs in Afghanistan -- in the world. I also liked how Max discussed how the technique itself works towards identifying the markings left on a bullet that would normally not be picked up by ordinary technology. My only suggestion would be describing the inventor -- Dr. John Bond -- discovered the technique. Also, the conclusion is redunadant; Max, you already mentioned the fingerprint test being put to use in the military (i.e. the road-side bombings in Afghanistan.) Apart from that, great job on the article!
I really enjoyed the Max's summary. The material itself was very interesting. I had read that scientists were trying to work out a method that would allow them to find fingerprints on bullets and ammunition but I did not know that they were this close. Max mentioned the use of fingerprinting on road-side bombings, which could greatly reduce the number of attacks. Max did a great job simplifying the material but also successfully gave enough detail.
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