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15/05/2015
New Test Developed To Detect Cocaine Use Through A Fingerprint
A new test has been developed that can detect cocaine use through a fingerprint, according to research published in the journal Analyst.
Led by the University of Surrey, a team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NL), the National Physical Laboratory (UK), King's College London (UK) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK), used different types of an analytical chemistry technique, known as mass spectrometry, to analyse the fingerprints of patients attending drug treatment services. They tested the prints against more commonly used saliva samples to determine whether the two tests correlated.
Researchers believe that the applications for this test could be far-reaching. Drug testing is used routinely by probation services, prisons, courts and other law enforcement agencies. However, traditional testing methods have limitations.
For example, blood testing requires trained staff and there are privacy concerns about urine testing. Where bodily fluids are tested, there can be biological hazards and often a requirement for particular storage and disposal methods. Often these tests also require analysis off-site.
It is anticipated that the technology could see the introduction of portable drug tests for law enforcement agencies to use within the next decade.
(CD/JP)
Led by the University of Surrey, a team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NL), the National Physical Laboratory (UK), King's College London (UK) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK), used different types of an analytical chemistry technique, known as mass spectrometry, to analyse the fingerprints of patients attending drug treatment services. They tested the prints against more commonly used saliva samples to determine whether the two tests correlated.
Researchers believe that the applications for this test could be far-reaching. Drug testing is used routinely by probation services, prisons, courts and other law enforcement agencies. However, traditional testing methods have limitations.
For example, blood testing requires trained staff and there are privacy concerns about urine testing. Where bodily fluids are tested, there can be biological hazards and often a requirement for particular storage and disposal methods. Often these tests also require analysis off-site.
It is anticipated that the technology could see the introduction of portable drug tests for law enforcement agencies to use within the next decade.
(CD/JP)
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12 October 2015
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
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11 March 2014
Blood Test Identifies Those At-Risk Of Alzeimer's Within Three Years
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MOT Overhaul To Stop 'Clocked' Cars
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02 December 2010
Pesticide Exposure 'Linked To Dementia'
Long term exposure to pesticides may be linked to the development of dementia, suggests research published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The authors base their findings on 614 vineyard workers in South West France whose intellectual capacity was monitored for up to six years as part of the Phytoner study.
Pesticide Exposure 'Linked To Dementia'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
