Information on Loughborough
News Index
2010
Mar 2010Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
New advance in revolutionary 'bullet fingerprinting' technique
Posted on 13/07/09
University of Leicester
Bullet fingerprinting technology developed at the University of Leicester in collaboration with Northamptonshire Police is now being advanced in new ways.
Dr John Bond, from Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicesters Forensic Research Centre developed- in collaboration with University scientists - a method to visualise fingerprints even after the print itself has been removed.
The revolutionary technique was named last year as one of Time Magazines top 50 inventions of the year.
Now continuing work exploring this forensic technique in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Leicester is uncovering new ways of recovering fingerprints from metal surfaces.
Researcher Alex Goddard has uncovered a natural technique that he believes is so simple, which can explain why it has been overlooked until now.
The technique involves studying the chemical and physical interactions occurring between the metal and the fingerprint sweat deposit. Using advanced surface imaging techniques, such as an Atomic Force Microscope, nanoscale observations of fingerprinted brass samples can identify optimum conditions to promote the natural enhancement of the fingerprint, vastly improving their recovery rate. It has also proven that components of the sweat deposit survive washing and wiping of the surface.
Goddard explains, Once a finger has touched the metal surface, a residue remains behind, this starts to react with the metal and an image of the fingerprint can be developed by use of elevated temperature and humidity, with the resultant image becoming a permanent feature on the surface of the metal.
Currently, fingerprint recovery from bullets is very low; less than 1 percent. This uses a natural process and even if it only leads to small increase in success rate, then that would be significant.
Previous recovery methods include applying powder to the material which can actually damage the evidence. This new technique promotes a naturally occurring process which does not involve adding anything to, or damaging, the evidence. Instead, it employs heat and humidity to promote the enhancement of the fingerprint image, there are also indications that it could be used after other techniques have failed, perhaps as a last resort.
Dr John Bond said: "I am delighted that this research in the Chemistry Department is producing really interesting and useful results. This is an important area of forensic research and Northamptonshire Police is proud to be associated with the University. I look forward to further developments".
Alex Goddard recently presented his findings at the University of Leicesters Postgraduate Research Festival.
Latest Loughborough News
Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly |
|---|
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 05:30:01 PM ![]() Community Services19 March 2010Libraries become more dyslexia-friendlyLibraries across Leicestershire have signed up to a new set of guidelines designed to make them more dyslexia-friendly. Over the next few months, staff are being trained to ensure they understand the basic issues facing people with dyslexia.... Read More: Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly |
Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 04:20:02 PM ![]() Serving police officer dies following a collision in LeicestershirePC Phil TomaszewskiA serving police officer has died following a collision in the parish of Eaton, near Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire. The collision occurred at about 1.... Read More: Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire |
Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:35 PM ![]() Bernardine Evaristo, acclaimed author of Blonde Roots and The Emperor s Babe, to speak at a free public event on Friday 26 March.... Read More: Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester |
Donated furniture boosts good causes |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:34 PM ![]() Good causes have received a boost thanks to donations of office furniture from Charnwood Borough Council. Items such as desks, filing cabinets and chairs are being distributed to good causes through Giving World Online, a scheme run by Leicester based charity Konnect9. ... Read More: Donated furniture boosts good causes |
Action packed week boosts community |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:33 PM ![]() Around 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected, a buggy fit walk was held and health checks took place as part of a community action week in Mountsorrel. Organisations including Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Voluntary Action Charnwood worked with local residents to organise the busy week which aimed to improve the environment and boost residents fitness and wellbeing. ... Read More: Action packed week boosts community |
Related Loughborough News
'Anti-aging' technique for computer software systems |
|---|
Created: Wednesday 10th of June 2009 10:06:20 AM ![]() New research at University of Leicester aims to help organisations cope with rapid changes in technology... Read More: 'Anti-aging' technique for computer software systems |
Sex talk revelations of the lonely Y chromosome |
Created: Thursday 10th of September 2009 11:09:40 AM ![]() New study at University of Leicester proves that communication between male and female occurs in our innermost beings ... |
Ground breaking innovations in healthcare receive prestigious awards |
Created: Tuesday 30th of December 2008 10:44:20 AM ![]() Ground breaking innovations in healthcare receive prestigious awards Pioneering research to advance laser eye surgery and lab-based tests to assess individual patient response to chemotherapy, allergies and parasites were recognised last night at the 2008 Da Vinci Health Technology Awards. Organised by the Da Vinci Health Technology Innovation Network, the national awards recognise scientists, engineers and clinicians working together to save lives and improve patient care.... Read More: Ground breaking innovations in healthcare receive prestigious awards |
Loughborough University and adidas ensure England is represented at UEFA EURO 2008 competition |
Created: Thursday 5th of June 2008 12:37:00 PM ![]() The England football team may not be taking part in the UEFA EURO 2008 competition, but thanks to Loughborough University and adidas the country will be represented at every match ? through the tournaments official match ball.... Read More: Loughborough University and adidas ensure England is represented at UEFA EURO 2008 competition |
Zoo volunteers help explain mysteries of the genome |
Created: Monday 7th of September 2009 03:09:14 PM Chimpanzees trained to enable keepers to take DNA samples with cheek swabs to help Leicester geneticists... Read More: Zoo volunteers help explain mysteries of the genome |
Most Read Loughborough News (today)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
|---|
Created: Friday 18th of July 2008 11:00:00 AM ![]() A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Created: Wednesday 2nd of July 2008 03:31:00 PM ![]() 14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... Read More: Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Created: Tuesday 22nd of July 2008 04:45:00 PM ![]() Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July).... Read More: Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Sport Relief Arrives in Loughborough |
Created: Friday 29th of January 2010 05:01:25 PM ![]() Sport Relief is back and it s coming to Loughborough! The town is set to host one of Sainsbury s Sport Relief Miles - which kick off from Loughborough University at 10.30am on Sunday, 21st March. They include one, three and six mile challenges and need residents to show their support by entering now at www.sportrelief.com ... Read More: Sport Relief Arrives in Loughborough |
DONT LET COLD CALLERS LEAVE YOU HOT UNDER THE COLLAR |
Created: Wednesday 16th of April 2008 12:07:43 PM ![]() The tactics used by some telephone cold callers can sometimes leave you bewildered or pressured into buying things you neither want or need, but there are ways to get the upper hand, advises Consumer Direct East Midlands.... Read More: DONT LET COLD CALLERS LEAVE YOU HOT UNDER THE COLLAR |
Most Read Loughborough News (this month)
Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
|---|
Created: Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:03:15 PM ![]() Charnwood Borough Council has today learned that the Astra Zeneca has decided to close its facility in Loughborough by the end of 2011. The announcement is a huge blow and a major loss of employment in the Borough and in Loughborough in particular. ... Read More: Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Created: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 11:03:57 AM ![]() An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca. Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs. ... Read More: Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Created: Friday 26th of February 2010 08:10:01 PM ![]() Appeal following incident at Loughborough UniversityPolice are appealing for witnesses following the report of a serious sexual assault in Loughborough. The incident is alleged to have happened sometime between 1.... Read More: Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown |
Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 10:20:01 PM ![]() Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdownThirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime. The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains.... |
EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES |
Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 04:02:23 PM ![]() Charnwood Borough Council s Easter Activity Programme for 0 16 year olds kicks into action on Monday 29th March until 5th April. ... Read More: EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES |











