Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For the science fair, my topic is
"is the iris imprint more reliable than the fingerprint?"
I would like to scan the irises and fingeprints of identical twins and see how much difference it is between them to get my answer.
Do you think this is fair testing and a good experiment for this project?

Hi helper,

I do remember replying to a similar question of your previously. If I am incorrect, I do apologize. This is a very interesting project!

You would like to scan the irises and fingerprints of identical twins. If this is what exactly you want to do, then you would need to figure out what equipment you would need to operate such experiments. I am assuming that iris scans are technologically advanced. How would you be able to acquire this equipment? These are some of the questions that you need to think about when you have some sort of idea of what you want to do. The best way to figure this out is to talk to people who would know. E-mail professors in your area, or out of your area and read/listen to their response.

If this experiment is not doable for reasons of yours, then you would need to really think: How can I make this project work without the expensive equipment, or the use of a science laboratory in a university? If you jump off of that springboard you are learning to be creative with the tools you have!! Maybe you would be able to contact someone who has done a test similar to what you want to do, or exactly and analyze their data. Look at their methods and procedures. Or gather a series of data from sources that conducted the same experiment.

Please do check on the post I replied to about iris fingerprinting. There are some links, and do Google "iris fingerprinting" and you will find many hits. Contact research scientists and university professors and ask these questions!

I think this is potentially a great experiment. There are countries that have started iris fingerprinting for passports. I'm sure you realize the importance of this issue, being that identity theft is happening more frequently than ever. I am imagining many hours being put in into this project. I wish you the best of luck. If you have anymore questions, please do respond. I will try to answer to the best of my abilities or another Expert would be able to help you.

Regards,
Sareena