Augenstein, Seth. "Identifying Gender From a Fingerprint." Forensic Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
Fingerprints have always helped a lot in the field of forensics forensics. They help in identifying anyone who may have something to do with the crime at the crime scene. Recently, researchers have been looking for ways to pull more information from fingerprints. Race, and exposure to drugs and explosives have been the focus of certain studies, however, gender can now be determined as well. This study was published by the University of Albany team. There is a very specific procedure to this that has to do with the concentration of amino acids. First, you have to heat the fingerprint surface to 40 degrees celsius. This will force the amino acids to separate out of the print. Then, the sample is analyzed with a chemical dye that oxidized to a telltale color based on the concentration of amino acids. Females have more amino acids than males. Overall, the test proved 99 percent effective. The team writes that, “It provides a quick male/female response and can be performed on-site.”
This article is very significant to humanity as a whole. These results we get by this discovery narrow down the possibilities in a suspect pool in a quick and timely manner when there is not matching fingerprint image or DNA profile in the corresponding databases. Also, there is no need for excessive training for this procedure, so it can be used by any members of the law enforcement. This will help police more easily determine someone guilty based on hard evidence.
This article was very interesting to read. It had short, simple paragraphs that helped readers clearly understand this new procedure and the ways in which it benefits us. It was very helpful that quotes made by professionals were incorporated and not just the author's opinions. In the end, the author mentioned why and how this new procedure could help us in the future. He also mentioned that this way of going about forensics is still being tested and needs to be fixed.
3 comments:
Olena did a good job of summarizing the article by Seth Augenstein, “Identifying Gender From a Fingerprint,” as well as writing clearly so that the reader would be able to understand the process of this identification. I liked the way that she explained the procedure, in which the fingerprint surface is heated in order for the amino acids in the print to separate. She included specific details, such as the fact that it is heated to 40 degrees celsius and that a chemical dye is added to the amino acids to show which gender the fingerprints belong to based on the concentration of the amino acids. I also liked that Olena included a quote in her summary paragraph. This breaks up the reading, and it was a good way to end the paragraph with the team who conducted this study. Lastly, her significance to humanity paragraph brought up good points that I hadn’t thought of before. This includes the fact that one doesn’t have to be specifically trained in a certain area of specialization, so nearly anyone in the department would be able to complete this procedure. Overall, Olena was able to describe and back up her arguments with viable evidence from the original article, which made it enjoyable to read.
However, although Olena was able to get her points across generally, sometimes it was hard for a reader to clearly understand what she wanted to say because of some grammatical errors and the lack of flow in the first few sentences. Also, she mentioned that females have more amino acids than males, but, as a reader, I would want to know why so. Otherwise, the review was written well.
I was particularly impressed that forensic scientists are now able to determine whether a fingerprint belongs to a female or male based on this new procedure, which also can narrow down the list of suspects. Also, I was surprised that the process had a 99% success rate. I was glad that I read Olena’s review because I was then exposed to a identification mean.
Olena Kocur’s current event review was one of the more concise ones written on this blog. At only 330 words, her article was clear, concise and to the point, and it provided a thorough summary of how sex determination by fingerprints worked, driving home that it was simple and easy enough for any law enforcement worker to do at the crime scene. Last but not least, she also had a solid basis from the article, taking many facts and direct quotations to provide an accurately written review. For instance, she adds, “‘The team writes that, “It provides a quick male/female response and can be performed on-site.’” Overall, these factors combine to make a review that was very enjoyable to read.
There is not that much critique that can be offered because there were minimal problems. First, Kocur, for her future current event reviews and comments, should try to keep the spacing even. While it does not detract from her writing, it does add a major distraction to have uneven spacing. Also, she should put in some of her own opinion. What is so special about the article to her? The readers/commentators want to know why she chose this article in particular. In her current event review, the focus is on what the article was about and why it was important instead. That is not a bad thing necessarily, but her own opinion would add a nice touch.
In conclusion, I was dazzled by how concise Olena Kocur’s review was yet while meeting all the proper standards set forth by the current event review rubric. There is something extremely unique about a current event review written so effectively.
This article was interesting, and simply summarized and easy to read. I found it interesting that there is a way to find out gender from fingerprints. There is a very specific procedure to this that has to do with the concentration of amino acids. The procedure consists of heating up the fingerprint surface to 40 degrees celsius, which will force the amino acids to separate out of the print. After, the sample is analyzed with a chemical dye that oxidized to a telltale color based on the concentration of amino acids.The test has proved 99 percent effective. This new procedure can now help forensic investigators narrow down individuals in a faster way.
It would have been better if this write up included why and how this procedure could help us in the future. Also, it would be interesting to know how many more amino acids do women have compared to men.
One interesting piece of information I found was that females have more amino acids than males.
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