"Rapid Fingerprint Detection with Jellyfish Protein Spray"
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a forensics spray using a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish to detect fingerprints in seconds. The dye spray, which is water soluble and has low toxicity, enables rapid visualization of fingerprints at crime scenes and can even be used on week-old prints. The spray, made of two different colored dyes, binds selectively with the molecules in fingerprints, emitting a fluorescent glow that can be seen under blue light. This biologically compatible spray, based on a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish, does not interfere with subsequent DNA analysis of the fingerprints and is less messy than traditional powders. The team is collaborating with scientists from Shanghai Normal University to further improve the technology and make the dyes available for sale.