Explain how the latest technology is used in the investigations of fingerprints, DNA, and firearms?

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Physics

Explain how the latest technology is used in the investigationsof fingerprints, DNA, and firearms?

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ADVANCED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGYIn 2011 the FBI launched its Advance Fingerprint IdentificationTechnology AFIT system which enhanced fingerprint and latentprint processing services The system increased the accuracy anddaily processing capacity of the agency and also improved thesystems availabilityThe AFIT system implemented a new fingerprint matching algorithmwhich increased the accuracy of fingerprint matching from 92 tomore than 996 according to the FBI During the first five daysof operation AFIT matched more than 900 fingerprints that were notmatched using the old systemWith AFIT on board the agency has been able to reduce thenumber of required manual fingerprint reviews by 90Prints From Metal ObjectsIn 2008 scientists at the University of Leicester in GreatBritain developed a technique that will enhance fingerprints onmetal objects from small shell casings to large machine gunsThey found that chemical deposits that form fingerprints haveelectrical insulating characteristics which can block electriccurrent even if the fingerprint material is very thin onlynanometers thickBy using electric currents to deposit a colored electroactivefilm which shows up in the bare regions between the fingerprintdeposits researchers can create a negative image of the print inwhat is known as an electrochromic imageAccording to the Leicester forensic scientists this method isso sensitive it can even detect fingerprints from metal objectseven if they have been wiped off or even washed off with soapywaterColorChanging Florescent FilmSince 2008 Professor Robert Hillman and his Leicesterassociates have further enhanced their process by addingfluorophore molecules to the film which is sensitive to light andultraviolet raysBasically the fluorescent film gives scientist and extra toolin developing contrasting colors of latent fingerprints electrochromic and fluorescence The fluorescent film provides athird color that can be adjusted to develop a highcontrastfingerprint imageMicroXRay FlorescenceThe development of the Leicester process followed a 2005discovery by University of California scientists working at LosAlamos National Laboratory using microXray fluorescence or MXRFto develop fingerprint imagingMXRF detects the sodium potassium and chlorine elements presentin salts as well as many other elements if they are present in thefingerprints The elements are detected as a function of theirlocation on a surface making it possible to see a fingerprintwhere the salts have been deposited in the patterns offingerprints the lines called friction ridges by forensicscientistsMXRF actually detects the sodium potassium and chlorineelements present in those salts as well as many other elements ifthey are present in the fingerprints The elements are detected asa function of their location on a surface making it possible tosee a fingerprint where the salts have been deposited in thepatterns of fingerprints the lines called friction ridges byforensic scientistsNoninvasive ProcedureThe technique has several advantages over traditionalfingerprint detection methods that involve treating the suspectarea with powders liquids or vapors in order to add color to thefingerprint so that it can be easily seen and photographedUsing traditional fingerprint contrast enhancement it issometimes difficult to detect fingerprints present on certainsubstances such as multicolored backgrounds fibrous papers andtextiles wood leather plastic adhesives and human skinThe MXRF technique eliminates that problem and is noninvasivemeaning a fingerprint analyzed by the method is left pristine forexamination by other methods like DNA extractionLos Alamos scientist Christopher Worley said MXRF is not apanacea for detecting all fingerprints since some fingerprints willnot contain enough detectable elements to be seen However it isenvisioned as a viable companion to the use of traditional contrastenhancement See Answer

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