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| Photo Credit: BBC News |
A new fingerprint test using mass spectrometry can detect a wealth of surprising new information from a fingerprint, including...
Your fingerprint contains molecules from your body and molecules from what you’ve touched. In mass spectrometry, a sample from a fingerprint is vaporized and fired through electric and magnetic fields. The particles of different mass react differently. The results are compared to known substances, and the team is able to identify the molecules within the print.
This technology has been able to detect blood in 30 year old fingerprints which means it could be valuable in helping to solve cold cases. The research by teams from Sheffield Hallam University working with the West Yorkshire, UK Police has been ongoing since 2012. The new testing is expensive, but is expected to start being used in high profile cases within months.
- The sex of the person that left the print
- What food or drink they may have consumed
- Whether they’ve taken drugs
- Whether they’ve touched blood
- Whether they’ve touched cleaning products or cosmetics
- Whether they’ve touched a condom – and even what brand
Your fingerprint contains molecules from your body and molecules from what you’ve touched. In mass spectrometry, a sample from a fingerprint is vaporized and fired through electric and magnetic fields. The particles of different mass react differently. The results are compared to known substances, and the team is able to identify the molecules within the print.
This technology has been able to detect blood in 30 year old fingerprints which means it could be valuable in helping to solve cold cases. The research by teams from Sheffield Hallam University working with the West Yorkshire, UK Police has been ongoing since 2012. The new testing is expensive, but is expected to start being used in high profile cases within months.
October 10, 2017 published by BBC News | Sheffield & South Yorkshire
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