Monday, November 23, 2015

Gender Determined by a Fingerprint

According to Mr. Halamek and his colleagues,  gender can be determined by an individual's fingerprint.  This is based on the fact that a certain amino acid is found to have levels twice as high in the sweat of women.  Therefore, by testing the levels of residual amino acids in a fingerprint it is possible to conclude whether the person was male or female.  The researchers are in the process of developing additional fingerprint processing where certain criteria about a person can be determined, such as, whether they are young or old, male or female, and their specific ethnicity.  Fingerprint analysis has been used in forensics for years, but never like this.  The author does state however, that Mr. Halamek says these tests "could not replace DNA tests, which are reliable but also time-consuming and expensive".


The fact that women and men different in this little details such as a specific amino acid is quite amazing.  And if we can use these little genetic differences to help "solve" crimes etc, this can be a great step forward in forensics.  I think as the author said this shouldn't become something that replaces DNA tests, however it could become a quick preliminary test when quick information about a crime or someone in general is needed.  Especially if they make these tests simple kits that can be performed without needing advanced lab equipment and such.  

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