Fingerprint

forensic science · super unique · crime solving · human body

One of a kind. Your fingerprints are completely unique to you, like your own personal signature written by nature. No two people in the world, not even identical twins, have exactly the same fingerprint pattern.

Invisible ink. When you touch something, the moisture and natural oils (grease) on your skin leave behind a copy of your ridge patterns. These prints are so tiny you can't see them with your eyes, but they're there.

Detective tool. Police officers and forensic scientists use fingerprints found at crime scenes to figure out who was there. They compare fingerprints from a crime scene to fingerprints on file to find matches.

Ridge patterns. The ridges on your fingertips aren't random; they form swirls, loops, and arches that stay exactly the same your whole life, even as your skin grows and changes.

Ink impressions. To record a fingerprint officially, police press your finger onto an ink pad and then roll it onto paper. This captures the pattern from the fleshy pad at the tip of your finger.