Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello --

My science fair project is on forensic science, specifically fingerprints and gloves worn at a crime scene. Do you know anything about the handling of evidence or the rules of processing a crime scene that I can use to guide more of my research.

Thank you -- nellienelson10

Hi Nellie and welcome to Scibuddies,

I am a scientist, not a CSI, but I do know basically how investigation has to be done to preserve evidence. Wearing latex gloves sounds like a good idea to prevent contamination with one’s own fingerprints or DNA. Are you thinking of a specific question with regard to fingerprints? I am familiar with extracting and analyzing DNA from a variety of sources and I know how carefully this must be done or the evidence is worthless.

I’m sure there are whole libraries written about forensic analysis and how to obtain the evidence without compromising it. If you could give us a more specific and less broad question, we could help you better.

Best wishes,

Sybee