Your fingerprints reveal more than you think | Simona Francese

Our fingerprints are what make us unique -- but they're also home to a world of information hidden in molecules that reveal our actions, lifestyles and routines. In this riveting talk, chemist Simona Francese shows how she studies these microscopic traces using mass spectrometry, a technology that analyzes fingerprints in previously impossible detail, and demonstrates how this cutting-edge forensic science can help police catch criminals. (Note: This talk contains descriptions of sexual violence.)

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[BalefulHead]

Very impressed! I'm not a science student, but I have studied spectrometry in my Astronomy course. As a writer, I think this is an impressive step forward in criminal profiling and crime solving . . . Excellent Ted Talk. Thanks much.

[theelephantintheroom]

Me: *Sees criminal with heavy-duty gloves on, robbing a bank
"Hey you, did you watch that TED Talk about finger prints?!"

Criminal: omg, yes, it freaked me tf out, now I only go out with gloves on.

[KnightSlasher]

Hold on I got to wipe the Cheeto dust off

[chrisb]

Well, guess I better put on gloves the next time I jaywalk...

[JeramieCurtice]

Whoever Kate was, I can tell the speaker was close to her in some way as she teared up. Her passion seems driven in seeking justice and the result will eventually help many victims. May Kate's family and friends find peace.

[stevenswithav]

My issue with these technologies is their ultimate application. With the new array of biometric sensors and fingerprint scanners in phone and IoT is that you could walk up to a building, open the door and your data is captured without you knowing. Then relayed to brands, marketing companies to target you with advertising or messaging in situ

[Modelstl]

My professor at uni, had her for analytical chrmistry she was amazing, really nice, really encouraging and I got a 2.1 in her module she’s my GOAT

[salliemae]

No two fingerprints are alike.These advancements in analyzing fingerprints are much needed in a quicker identification of suspects in an alleged crime.If you are trespassing do not leave any fingerprints behind.

[sundaypie]

What if the victim or the perpetrator comes from an area where amounts of pharmaceuticals (including antibiotics, hormones, mood stabilizers, and other drugs) are in the drinking water supplies???

[sebeans]

Does washing your hands enough remove any of this? Or is this beyond what washing hands does?

[paradigmshift]

I'm never skipping washing my hands again 😂

[유나단-bq]

1. 2:53 - 3:27
2. 6:09 - 6:38
3. 5:07 - 6:09

[raz]

_"Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips."_ *-Al-Quran 75:4*

[ШапагатБайтекеева]

I really like this presentation!!!
It is kind a scary story, but it is worth it. I think it is a new way to solve crimes. Crimes will decrease as they soledBy using right technology as she said. But everywhere we have two side of the coin. And of course fingerprints can be used as setup. Everyone should be carefully. And follow the recommendation, like “don’t touch anything in someone’s house”. I think it will help you to stay safe. Love yourself and your loved one!

[AncientMysteriesAndInnovations]

My brain automatically tunes this lady's voice out

[jorgeevangelista]

Uma das melhores explanações que já assisti. Parabéns pelo empenho.

[mayushiidesu]

Finger print recognition on phones are evil >:(((

[eswoo]

Pretty amazing tbh, one the better recent video TED’s released recently

[chamoto]

There better be some stringent regulations with regards to the use of that technology! Otherwise that tool will one day enable the powers that be to shape me further into a consumer zombie and chip my privacy away a little more.

[levida]

Very interesting info which will help with my forensic science fingerprint analysis work. Thank you.