http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/biometric/ Biometric Technology. New biometric security devices such as a new iris scanner. Read research on the reliability of DNA tests, fingerprint matches, and other biometrics. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/biometric/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172805.htm New research suggests that unrelated individuals may be mistakenly identified as genetic family members due to inaccurate genetic assumptions. This is particularly relevant when considering familial searching: a new technique which extends forensic identification to family members of individuals with profiles in offender/arrestee DNA databases. In a new study, researchers show that false familial identification may be more likely for individuals with particular genetic backgrounds; for example, in the USA, those of Asian or Native American descent. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209102023.htm Fingerprints that are potential key pieces of evidence in court currently are not being considered due to shortcomings in the way this evidence is reported. Now, a statistical model has been developed that enables the weight of fingerprint evidence to be expressed in quantitative terms, paving the way for its full inclusion in the process of identifying criminals, according to a new report. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209102023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102849.htm Scientists are reporting development of a first-of-its-kind technology that could help law enforcement officials trace the residues from terrorist attacks involving nerve gas and other chemical agents back to the companies or other sources where the perpetrators obtained ingredients for the agent. The technique could eventually help track down perpetrators of chemical attacks. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm Catching terrorists who detonate bombs may be easier by testing the containers that hide the bombs rather than the actual explosives, according to pioneering research. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105433.htm The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology has published a revised biometric standard that vastly expands the type and amount of information that forensic scientists can share across their international networks to identify victims or solve crimes. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104409.htm Digital security specialists, major European electronics makers, and experts in biometrics worked together to make passport control at airports faster. The technology also could have broader applications on the way our identity documents are design and on the way we access public services. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm Biometrics experts are developing a tool that can help law enforcement and military officials identify suspicious individuals at crime scenes. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926230110.htm A scanner which combines the convenience of a desktop scanner with the functionality of a powerful laboratory imaging device has been developed and is now being commercialized. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926230110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175002.htm A pioneering technology to detect fingermarks at crime scenes, which provides additional information about a suspect, is a step closer to being incorporated into traditional forensic investigations in the UK. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706144614.htm An automatic and portable detector that takes just fifteen minutes to analyze a sample suspected of contamination with anthrax is being developed by U.S. researchers. The technology amplifies any anthrax DNA present in the sample and can reveal the presence of just 40 microscopic cells of the deadly bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706144614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152340.htm Researchers have trapped individual charged particles in an aqueous solution using a method called "Paul trapping," which uses oscillating electric fields to confine the particles to a space only nanometers in size. The technique paves the way for DNA trapping and sequencing, which would allow for diagnostic testing, therapies and treatments based on each patient's individual genetic makeup. Mon, 23 May 2011 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511162536.htm Fingerprints: dozens of crime dramas revolve around them. The investigators find the victim, dust for fingerprints, run them through a computer program and voilá -- the guilty party is quickly identified and sent to prison. If only it were that easy. The reality is that this common but crucial part of an investigation is done by humans, not by computers. Wed, 11 May 2011 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511162536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412065950.htm Frequently the only biological material available to identify persons is DNA in a very degraded state. In these cases, the kits usually employed to carry out DNA identifications do not produce accurate results, given that all the DNA is not available. Biochemists have now developed a tool for identifying persons from these small fragments of DNA. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 06:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412065950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184115.htm Researchers have developed a set of algorithms and created software that will automatically match hand-drawn facial sketches to mug shots that are stored in law enforcement databases. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219160013.htm While a world free of nuclear weapons remains a goal for governments around the world, nuclear security constitutes a major challenge for the 21st century, as recognized at the 2010 nuclear security summit in Washington. Citizens are generally aware of international efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but they are often unaware of nuclear security research and the important role science in this field. A new European nuclear security training center and enhanced international collaboration are good examples. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219160013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208091719.htm Product counterfeiters are increasingly targeting computer chips and electronic components, with attacks on hardware modules becoming commonplace. Tailor-made security technology utilizes a component's individual material properties to generate a digital key. This provides components with an identity -- since their unique structure cannot be copied. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208091719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131073141.htm Forensic experts in Scotland are leading the way in the research of new ground-breaking forensic techniques within the field of fingerprints. The new research seeks to recover fingerprint ridge detail and impressions from fabrics -- a technique that has up until now proved difficult. It is the first time in more than 30 years that fingerprints on fabrics have been a major focus for research and the team have already had a number of successes. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131073141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119141859.htm It is possible to construct a 3-D face from flat 2-D images, according to new research. The discovery could be used for biometrics in security applications or in forensic investigations. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119141859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220121111.htm Scientists are developing technology that could ultimately sequence a person's genome in mere minutes, at a fraction of the cost of current commercial techniques. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220121111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210075918.htm Scientists have developed critical components of a biomedical lab-on-chip sensor enabling fast detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA, such as a miniaturized pump for on-chip generation of high pressures, a micropillar filter optimized for DNA separation achieving world-record resolution, and a SNP detector allowing on-chip detection using very small sample volumes. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210075918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101130104601.htm Scientists have developed a Megaframe Imager -- an ultrafast camera capable of recording images at the incredible rate of one million frames. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101130104601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129111826.htm Researchers a have announced a new type of nanopore device that could help in developing fast and cheap genetic analysis. They report on a novel method that combines artificial and biological materials to result in a tiny hole on a chip, which is able to measure and analyze single DNA molecules. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129111826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122121629.htm Scientists have devised a method that would allow them to estimate the age of crime suspects or missing persons from blood collected at the scene of a crime. In principle, the new profiling method could be put to immediate practical use by law enforcement, according to researchers. They have already begun the required validation of the test, which is designed to assure that quality standards are met. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122121629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101026111725.htm Scientists have developed software for mobile phones that can track your facial features in real-time. Eventually it will be able to tell who the user is, where they are looking and even how they are feeling. Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101026111725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101025090104.htm Scientists in Spain are analyzing possible attempts at fraud in various biometric identification systems in order to improve the security of facial, iris, fingerprint or vascular recognition, among other types. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101025090104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101021131605.htm Over the past decade, a team of scientists in Maryland have been working to stop the threat of terrorist-based attacks in the form of explosives or explosive-based devices, by providing a sound measurement and standard infrastructure. Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101021131605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101020084229.htm Groundbreaking research into fingerprint detection now has an industrial application, thanks to a new invention by the scientist who developed the technique. Dr John Bond's method of identifying fingerprints on brass bullet-casings, even after they have been wiped clean, was based on the minuscule amounts of corrosion which can be caused by sweat. Now, Dr. Bond has applied the same technique to industry by developing a simple, handheld device which can measure corrosion on machine parts. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101020084229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005121820.htm Phishing scams are making the leap from email to the world's voice systems, and researchers have found a way to tag fraudulent calls with a digital "fingerprint" that will help separate legitimate calls from phone scams. Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005121820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100924121221.htm Biometric systems -- designed to automatically recognize individuals based on biological and behavioral traits such as fingerprints, palm prints, or voice or face recognition -- are "inherently fallible," says a new report, and no single trait has been identified that is stable and distinctive across all groups. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100924121221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100908160345.htm Researchers are examining how iris discrimination performs in twins to confirm prior claims that biometrics is capable of differentiating between twins. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100908160345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100804122715.htm A newly developed test could make checking DNA from people arrested for crimes with DNA samples from crime scenes stored in forensic databases almost as easy as matching fingerprints. With the test, police could check on whether a person's DNA matches that found at past crime scenes while suspects are still being processed and before a decision on whether to release them on bail. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100804122715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803175017.htm Researchers in Canada have combined DNA microarrays with microfluidic devices, which are used for the precise control of liquids at the nanoscale. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803175017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100730191706.htm Finding bodies buried by someone who wanted them to stay undiscovered can be difficult. However a new technique can reliably detect biochemical changes in a decomposing cadaver. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100730191706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100519163840.htm Researchers show the viability of a novel, more efficient method to sequence DNA using nanopores. By doing it fast and inexpensively, this method brings routine use of DNA sequencing in medical diagnostics closer to reality. Wed, 19 May 2010 16:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100519163840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100511102121.htm CSI notwithstanding, forensics experts cannot always retrieve fingerprints from objects, but a new conformal coating process can reveal hard-to-develop fingerprints on nonporous surfaces without altering the chemistry of the print. Tue, 11 May 2010 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100511102121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100507111833.htm Routine antibiotic residue tests used by the dairy industry take hours to produce a result and do not test for all antibiotics dairy cows are typically treated with. Scientists in Germany have developed a microarray chip that identifies residues from one or more of the 14 most important antibiotics with certainty and in parallel. In conjunction with an automated minilab, this enables rapid testing of raw, unpasteurized milk. Fri, 07 May 2010 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100507111833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100505143126.htm Law enforcement authorities seeking to detect bioterrorism attacks, doctors diagnosing diseases and regulatory agencies checking product safety may find a new ally in a new detection technology. Wed, 05 May 2010 14:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100505143126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426081243.htm Scientists have managed to accurately determine the location of metal complexes within living cancer cells using Raman microscopy. The researchers have thus gained new insights into the mechanism of action of metal-containing drugs, to which they ascribe great potential capacities, e.g. in the treatment of cancer. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426081243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100423113716.htm Researchers have pointed out an inherent flaw in the financial industry adopting biometric logins to boost security in that the advent of mobile devices, such as netbooks, PDAs and smart phones might make biometric logins impossible when one is on the move. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100423113716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422141201.htm In the battle against cancer and other diseases, precise analysis of specific proteins can point the way toward targeted treatments. Scientists have developed a novel biosensor chip that not only recognizes proteins that are characteristic for specific diseases, but also can show changes due to disease or medication. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422141201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100409093407.htm The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate may have a better solution to detecting just what's in that suspicious package. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100409093407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315161718.htm Forensic scientists may soon have a valuable new item in their toolkits -- a way to identify individuals using unique, telltale types of hand bacteria left behind on objects like keyboards and computer mice, says a new study. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315161718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100311141211.htm Scientists have hit on a new, versatile method to significantly improve the detection of trace chemicals important in such areas as national security, human health and the environment. The research team was able to detect and identify tiny particles of the explosive trinitrotoluene or TNT -- each weighing less than a billionth of a gram -- on the ridges and canals of a fingerprint. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100311141211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100308102202.htm Most people are familiar with security technology that scans a person's handprint or eye for identification purposes. Now we are closer to practical technology that can test someone's voice to confirm their identity. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100308102202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100106082527.htm Why do we chew our food? Research has shown that it is not, as has long been presumed, to make chunks of food small enough to swallow without choking. Biomechanics, who have modelled the cohesive strength of food after a certain amount of chewing, have shown that we actually chew our food to ensure it is in a firm blob and, therefore, safe to swallow. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100106082527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202091032.htm Researchers have developed a new technique aimed at improving the validation of a crime lab's cell phone forensics tools. Early experiments show promise for easier, faster and more rigorous assessments than with existing methods. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202091032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118160627.htm Engineering researchers have developed a unique and robust method to prevent cloning of passive radio frequency identification tags. The technology, based on one or more unique physical attributes of individual tags rather than information stored on them, will prevent the production of counterfeit tags and thus greatly enhance both security and privacy for government agencies, businesses and consumers. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118160627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111115841.htm The explosive growth of video on the internet calls for new ways of sorting and searching audiovisual content. Researchers have developed a groundbreaking solution that is finding commercial applications. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111115841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090858.htm A number of US states now use facial recognition technology when issuing drivers licenses. Similar methods are also used to grant access to buildings and to verify the identities of international travelers. Historically, obtaining accurate results with this type of technology has been a time intensive activity. Now, researchers have developed ways to make the technology more efficient while improving accuracy. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101628.htm The eyes may be the mirror to the soul, but the iris reveals a person's true identity. A new report demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy even with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029155956.htm DNA samples often convict criminals. But many of today's forensic tests are so polluted by soil, tobacco and food remains, for example, that they can not be used. Now researchers in Sweden have improved a critical part of the analysis process. The first findings indicate that the new method strengthens the DNA analysis so that previously negative samples yield positive and usable DNA profiles. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029155956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm Technology that can identify partial, distorted, scratched, smudged, or otherwise warped fingerprints in just a few seconds has just scored top marks in the world's two toughest technical fingerprint tests. The technology is also being rapidly taken up by the UK building trade who are delighted to have fingerprint technology which can cope with the often worn and ravaged builders' thumbprints. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185658.htm After learning how DNA interacts with the novel nanomaterial graphene, researchers propose a DNA-graphene nanoscaffold be used as a biosensor to diagnose diseases, detect toxins in tainted food and detect pathogens in biological weapons, among other applications. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123515.htm Against the backdrop of last week's Congressional hearing into the future of forensic science, researchers have published a landmark paper on the controversial topic of bitemark analysis. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909111630.htm Two publications from NIST describe new capabilities for authentication systems using smart cards or other personal security devices. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909111630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152806.htm A new publication that recommends best practices for the next generation of portable biometric acquisition devices -- Mobile ID -- has been published by NIST. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113825.htm A novel electronic sensor array for more rapid, accurate and cost-efficient testing of DNA for disease diagnosis and biological research has shown "excellent" sensitivity at detecting trace amounts of DNA. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110120.htm Researchers are reporting development of a new electronic sensor that shows promise as a faster, less expensive, and more practical alternative than tests now used to detect DNA. Such tests are done for criminal investigation, disease diagnosis, and other purposes. The new lab-on-a-chip test could lead to wider, more convenient use of DNA testing, the researchers say. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170925.htm Better tools for manipulating DNA in the laboratory may soon be possible with newly discovered deoxyribozymes (catalytic DNA) capable of cleaving single-stranded DNA, researchers say. Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174228.htm Canadian researchers have developed a new way to extract DNA and RNA from small or heavily contaminated samples that could help forensic investigators and molecular biologists get to "the truth." Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174228.htm