Melbourne scientist invents new finger-printing test after he was burgled

A Melbourne scientist has developed a new finger-printing technique after his own home was burgled.

CSIRO scientist Dr Kang Liang has invented a luminescent solution that binds with proteins from fingerprints and makes them glow under UV light in about a minute.

“The police, they came in with this old technology for testing the fingerprints which is quite surprising,” Dr Liang said.

Scientists are hopeful the technology will be ideal for delicate evidence and challenging conditions.

“Whether this is a bag of illicit materials, whether this is a weapon, and then they could easily treat this on the spot,” CSIRO’s Joseph Richardson said.

The solution could offer a quick, simple and wipe-off technique that is less harsh than powder, Mr Richardson said.

Australian and US police departments have expressed interest in the invention.

“The obvious advantage of this is its can-be-luminescent properties which actually allows the visualisation of the finger marks in low light condition, so that’s the exciting thing,” Victoria Police’s John Doherty said.

Dr Liang hopes to develop a spray that can be used on doors and windows, and eventually on fabrics.

“Watch out burglars, don’t mess with scientists,” he joked.