Technology - Bacteria on Hand for Forensic Identification

Bacteria in our hands can be used for forensic identification, as with DNA, the scientists said. The team of scientists led by Professor Noah Fierer from the University of Colorado at Boulder, United States, found a group of bacteria that live in human's hand skin is different for everyone. The findings for science researcher forensic medicine are clarified in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The research team match samples of bacteria from three computer keyboards to their owners, and take samples with wiping someone's computer keyboard, and the results, they found bacteria as similar as in the hands of computer owners.

Even in the hands of the people most careful of cleanliness, can be found approximately 150 species of various bacteria. Bacteria in the hand can be seen with the light of ultraviolet-Stokes Photo Luminescence (SPL). Every person leaving unique trail when they undergo their daily lives. Scientists say, this is what can be a basis of the latest forensic tools.


Scientists say that up to 70-90% accuracy for this new medical technology, and of course this will be enhanced from time to time.


The scientists also explained that they were identical twins and have the same DNA profile, have substantially various kinds of bacteria live and grow in their hands. This shows that the collective genomes (microbes) may more indicative of personal identity of the human genome itself.