New spray-on dyes can instantly reveal fingerprints at crime scenes

A new class of fluorescent dyes can instantly visualise hidden fingerprints at crime scenes. Compared with traditional chemical reagents used for detecting latent fingerprints, the fluorescent dyes are quick, easy-to-use on site and non-toxic.

‘If the quality of the fingermarks is consistently good, having such an easy technique that would work in just 10 seconds is an interesting option,’ says Fabio Casali, a forensic scientist at the University of Strathclyde who was not involved in the study. ‘Comparing this methodology with ninhydrin, it is easy to see the huge potential benefits of the new technique: extremely rapid enhancement, no need for ovens or control of temperature and humidity, and much easier application directly at the crime scene.’