Chemistry For Your Life

How do forensic scientists find fingerprints?

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There are a lot more ways to reveal a fingerprint than the black powder you see on TV.In this second part of our forensic chemistry series with Nicki Stewart, we explore the surprising chemistry behind fingerprints. From powders and iodine vapor to super glue fumes and chemical reactions, we break down how forensic scientists reveal invisible fingerprints—and why choosing the right method depends entirely on the surface, the chemistry, and the evidence they’re trying to preserve.

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  • 0:00 – What are fingerprints, really?
  • 5:30 – What’s actually left behind when you touch something?
  • 9:20 – The two main categories of fingerprint detection
  • 14:00 – How fingerprint powder actually works
  • 18:40 – Iodine fuming and why fingerprints disappear again
  • 25:25 – Revealing fingerprints on sticky tape
  • 29:40 – Ninhydrin and the chemistry behind purple fingerprints
  • 35:05 – The surprising science of super glue fuming
  • 42:20 – Why collecting fingerprints is much harder than TV makes it look
  • 46:10 – Jam’s biggest takeaways from fingerprint chemistry

    • References from the Episode:

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