Revolutionary Forensic Spray Using Jellyfish Protein for Rapid Fingerprint Detection

Forensic investigations are set to be revolutionized with the development of a new spray utilizing a protein found in jellyfish that can reveal fingerprints in just 10 seconds. This innovative approach not only speeds up the detection process but also offers a safer, more sustainable, and biologically compatible alternative to traditional methods.

The Science Behind the Forensic Spray:

• The dye spray is based on a fluorescent compound called green fluorescent protein (GFP) derived from jellyfish.
• Dyes named LFP-Yellow and LFP-Red bind to chemicals in sweat and oils on skin, emitting a fluorescent glow under blue light.
• This technology is not only effective in capturing fingerprints quickly but is also biologically safe and does not interfere with DNA analysis.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods:

• Unlike toxic powders or petrochemical solvents, the jellyfish protein-based spray is water-soluble and low-toxicity.
• The spray is less messy, prevents damage to prints, and works efficiently even on rough surfaces like brick.
• Governments are increasingly restricting the use of solvents in fingerprint detection, making this spray a sustainable and safer alternative.

Potential Impact on Forensic Investigations:

• Fingerprints remain a significant identification method in unknown suspect cases, with this technology offering quick and cost-effective solutions compared to DNA profiling.
• The spray’s ability to work on fingerprints up to a week old and on various surfaces can enhance evidence collection at crime scenes.

Collaboration and Future Commercial Availability:

• The research team is collaborating with companies to make the forensic dyes commercially available, aiming to expand the color options in the future.
• The GFP protein, commonly used in biological research, has now found an application in forensic science, showcasing the versatility of this innovative approach.

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FAQs:

1. What is the primary component of the forensic spray for fingerprint detection?
   • The forensic spray utilizes a fluorescent compound called green fluorescent protein (GFP) derived from jellyfish.
2. How does the jellyfish protein-based spray differ from traditional fingerprint detection methods?
   • The spray is water-soluble, low-toxicity, and biologically compatible, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to toxic powders and solvents.
3. What advantages does the forensic spray offer in forensic investigations?
   • The spray can reveal fingerprints in just 10 seconds, work on various surfaces, and does not interfere with DNA analysis, enhancing evidence collection at crime scenes.
4. Are there plans for commercial availability of the forensic dyes?
   • The research team is collaborating with companies to make the forensic dyes commercially available, with the possibility of expanding color options in the future.
5. How can readers support independent journalism at The Guardian?
   • Readers can contribute to supporting The Guardian’s independent journalism by considering one-time or monthly donations to ensure unbiased coverage of critical stories.