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Next In Forensics: Bacterial 'Fingerprints'Researchers are perfecting a technique that matches "personal" bacteria on a person's fingers and hands with bacteria on computer keyboards, which could eventually aid law enforcement in criminal investigations. Scientists at the University of Colorado explained that all individuals carry bacteria on their bodies, most of which are harmless, and on average, any two people share only about 13 percent of their bacterial species. In their initial analysis, researchers used gene sequencing techniques to compare bacterial DNA taken from the keys on three personal computers, and swabbed the fingers of the keyboard owners. They then compared the results to swabs taken from keyboards never touched by the subjects. In a second test, researcher swabbed nine keyboard mice and collected palm bacteria from the owners. Researchers said additional research is needed on how human bacterial signatures adhere to different surfaces like metal, plastic and glass. But the new process could help match objects to users in cases where clear fingerprints cannot be obtained, such as textured materials. Researchers said the study showed the new technique to be 70 to 90 percent accurate, but much more needs to be done, and it could take years before the technology is ready for use. |
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