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Forensic scientists at the University of Leicester, working with Northamptonshire Police, have announced a major breakthrough in crime detection which could lead to hundreds of cold cases being reopened.
The University’s Forensic Research Centre has been working with Northamptonshire Police’s scientific support unit to develop new ways of taking fingerprints from a crime scene.
Researchers in the University Department of Chemistry and the Police’s scientific support unit have developed the method that enables scientists to ‘visualise fingerprints’ even after the print itself has been removed. They conducted a study into the way fingerprints can corrode metal surfaces. The technique can enhance – after firing– a fingerprint that has been deposited on a small calibre metal cartridge case before it is fired.
Dr John Bond, Honorary Fellow at the University of Leicester and Scientific Support Manager at Northamptonshire Police said: “For the first time we can get prints from people who handled a cartridge before it was fired.”
"Wiping it down, washing it in hot soapy water makes no difference - and the heat of the shot helps the process we use.
“The procedure works by applying an electric charge to a metal - say a gun or bullet - which has been coated in a fine conducting powder, similar to that used in photocopiers.
“Even if the fingerprint has been washed off, it leaves a slight corrosion on the metal and this attracts the powder when the charge is applied, so showing up a residual fingerprint.
“The technique works on everything from bullet casings to machine guns. Even if heat vaporises normal clues, police will be able to prove who handled a particular gun.”
Dr. Bond’s initial findings, which prompted the joint study, have been announced in a paper in the American Journal of Forensic Science.
Professor Rob Hillman of the Department of Chemistry added: “It is very satisfying to see excellent fundamental science being applied to a practical problem. We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Bond and his colleagues and we look forward to some very exciting chemistry and its application to forensic science.”
As a result of the research, cases dating back decades could be reopened because the underlying print never disappears, say the scientists. The technique also works in cases where prints may be left on other metals.
Dr Bond added: "It's certainly possible hundreds of cold cases could be reopened because with this method the only way to avoid a fingerprint being detected is through abrasive cleaning as that takes a layer off the metal.
Dr Emma Palmer, Director of the University's Forensic Research Centre said: “This collaboration between the University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police is an excellent example of applying research to a practical problem in crime detection.”
Dr Bond and Professor Rob Hillman of the Chemistry Department at the University now intend to take this research forward via a three-year Ph.D. studentship to commence next academic year. The new project will explore further the corrosion of metal by fingerprint residue and investigate how it might be used to detect more crime with forensic science.
Latest News
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Man sentenced to six years after two robberies at Nationwide and Yorkshire Bank | ||
 | Environment & Transport10 February 2012Learn to make a meal out of leftoversA series of free cookery classes are being held to teach people how to cook up a treat using leftovers. As well as cooking up to three recipes, Leicestershire residents who attend can pick up tasty recipe cards and take home a free goody bag containing giveaways including a spaghetti measure and a meal planner.... 10 Feb 2012 Learn to make a meal out of leftovers | |
Robbery on Victoria Park | ||
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Fingerprints can tell what you eat | |
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 | Inventor of forensic fingerprint technique says criminals who eat processed foods have ?sticky fingers?, which are more likely to corrode metal.... 18 Sep 2008 Fingerprints can tell what you eat |
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 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
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| Interested in a career in forensic science? If so, why not come along to a Forensic Career Open day.... 30 Sep 2008 Forensic Career Open Day - Saturday October 4 |
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 | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
 | The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
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UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
| The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
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| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
WINNERS OF ?LEICESTER INVENTS? TO BE ANNOUNCED | |
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Most Read News (today)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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Most Read News (this month)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
|---|---|
| Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
| Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
| Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
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Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
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Most Read News (alltime)
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Forensic Psychology | |
| Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
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