The latest tool for forensic scientists is a scanner that can detect extremely faint fingerprints on the bodies of murder victims. Usually fingerprint dusting is the method employed for getting prints off hard surfaces. This new technology, however, can recover prints from the skin of corpses.
The technique was developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, USA. They use a special type of imaging process called surfaced enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) which uses a laser beam focused on the material, and then the wavelengths of the light scattered are analysed.
It involves applying a solution of silver nanoparticles to the skin. The silver adheres to skin secretions left behind by possible murderers. The SERS technique is then used to pick up fingerprint patterns. A hand-held model for crime scene use is in the works.
I wonder how long it would be before CSI writers work it into their scripts?
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Faint Fingerprint Detection
- Developing tools and techniques for detecting extremely faint fingerprints on various surfaces or materials, including human skin, opens up new possibilities for forensic investigations.
- Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
- Advancements in the application of SERS technology for analyzing scattered light wavelengths can revolutionize forensic science, allowing for more accurate and efficient fingerprint recovery.
- Hand-held Crime Scene Imaging Devices
- The development of portable and hand-held scanners for on-site fingerprint detection enables real-time forensic investigation, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of crime scene analysis.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Forensic Science
- Improving fingerprint detection techniques and tools in forensic science can revolutionize crime scene investigation and enhance the accuracy of forensic analysis outcomes.
- Law Enforcement
- The adoption of advanced fingerprint detection technologies can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies' crime scene investigations, streamlining the identification and capture of suspects.
- Nanotechnology
- Advancements in nanotechnology, such as silver nanoparticles, present disruptive opportunities in forensic science for enhancing fingerprint recovery and improving overall forensic analysis methods.
