Fingerprints might detect drugs, diseases

London -- British scientists say they might soon be able to use fingerprints to not only identify a person but also to reveal drug usage and diagnose diseases.

Researchers from King's College London and the University of East Anglia report using specific antibodies to differentiate between the fingerprints of smokers and nonsmokers.

Lead researcher David Russell, of the University of East Anglia, said he and his team expect to soon be able to use a fingerprint's perspiration to detect drugs, medications or food that have been consumed and also to diagnose some diseases.

The study is detailed in the journal Angewandte Chemie.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.