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Thursday, 28th June 2007 (7649 views)

Scientists in Lancashire are developing groundbreaking forensic technology using gold nanoparticles, it has emerged.

Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire revealed the study at the third annual Crime Solutions conference, reports the Blackpool Citizen.

The technique - Raman Spectroscopy - works by shining light on a substance to determine its molecular identity.

Reportedly, the molecules interact with gold nanoparticles, magnifying the substance to enable its identification.

Angela Aguirreburualde, of the research and knowledge transfer unit at the university, told the publication: "I don't know of any police forces that are using the technology at this stage but it is something that is available to them."

According to Ms Aguirreburualde, the technique could be used to detect fraud, drugs or gunshot residue.

Andrew Maynard, chief scientist for the US Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, recently said that nanotechnology has the potential to "make the world a better place".

 

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