A research team from University of California San Diego reportedly found out that examination of the molecules left on mobile devices may reveal an owner's health condition and lifestyle profile. The study used a technique called mass spectrometry and the testing method is believed to be useful in identifying the owner of the device even without fingerprints.
Because of its potential use, the study is suggested to be beneficial to several situations, including forensic sciences. The study is believed to be applicable in several crime scene investigations where personal objects such as mobile phones, pens and keys are left without fingerprints.
There are times when objects appear to have fingerprints but the DNA cannot be matched in the database. Senior author Professor Pieter Dorrestein of UC San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences said that in such situations, the crime scene investigators will be left with nothing to do to identify who the object belongs to, Phys.Org reported.
"So we thought-what if we take advantage of left-behind skin chemistry to tell us what kind of lifestyle this person has?," Professor Dorrestein explained. "All of these chemical traces on our bodies can transfer to objects. So we realized we could probably come up with a profile of a person's lifestyle based on chemistries we can detect on objects they frequently use," the professor continued.
Apart from possible criminal profiling, the study's testing method can also be used to distinguish an individual's exposure to pollution and medication intake. These could be useful in environmental exposure research and monitoring patients' adherence to medication and therapies. Additionally, the assistant project scientist Dr. Amina Bouslimani said, "I can see it being used to assess toxicological exposures, I can see it as a potential way to monitor -- without needing to use a needle -- medication dosage and disease status."
The Californian researchers tested 500 samples derived from the hands and mobile devices of 40 adults, BBC reported. The data they have gathered were then compared to molecules identified in a database, which allowed them to create a lifestyle profile of each phone owner.
After the study, the researchers are now reportedly interested in exploring the bacteria found on one's skin and what it can reveal about individuals. So, do you think phones can help in solving crimes? Share your thoughts below.
