When You Can't Leave Your Mark
Born Without Fingerprints
The American Journal of Human Genetics reported a new study into the condition dubbed Adermatoglyphia which simply means, "Born without fingerprints."
There are so many technological ways to determine a person's identity these days such as DNA testing and so forth but I began to wonder about something that our church has installed as a preventive measure for the security of our children's ministry section.
The parent stops at a computer kiosk to check-in their child or children. The parent then places the finger on a pad which registers the adult as the one on file in the database. This will print out a sticker for the child and a receipt for the adult. The system is working nicely although I wonder what will happen if an adult with Adermatoglyphia enters the building?
The human genetics study on Adermatoglyphia states that it is apparently a very rare condition although admittedly it may be under-reported due to the fact that there is no adverse health affects associated with the condition. We may have thousands of people walking around with no fingerprints with no way to leave their fingerprints behind them.
The condition is linked to a gene mutation specifically in the gene SMARCAD1. This gene impacts only the skin and it was discovered by a Grad Student sifting through the myriad of genes that impact skin development. The condition has no harmful side-affects although it may also have an effect on the sweat glands.
Another identification process is the iris recognition identification procedure. You simply look into a lens that scans your eye and makes a positive identification. Researchers admit that this technology may be years from being mass distributed because you would have to build up a library on a database. Still, it is fascinating to see these technologies come to fruition.
I was not born with Adermatoglyphia and have left my prints everywhere I go.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/science/09obprint.html
http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/09/7307453-why-some-people-dont-have-fingerprints
http://www.neurotechnology.com/verieye.html
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
- Study Finds Gene Mutation Linked to Male Infertility: Discovery Offers New Hope f...Male infertility is still shrouded in mystery. Researchers have found a mutated gene that causes male infertility. Could this discovery offer new hope for couples struggling to conceive?
Actress Catherine O'Hara Has Rare ConditionThe mom from "Home Alone" and "Beetle Juice" lives with a rare condition.- GBA Gene Mutation Possibly Linked to Parkinson's DiseaseA new research study indicates that individuals with a certain mutation have an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease than those without the mutation.
- Rare Genetic Defects: Cockayne SyndromeFor expecting couples who are considering prenatal genetic counseling, this is an overview of the risks associated with Cockayne syndrome.
- Autism Not Caused by Vaccine-mercury but Genetic DefectsTwo new studies indicate mercury in vaccines is not the cause for an increased rate of autism. A genetic defect has been determined to cause autism.
- Breakthrough CSI Fingerprint Identification Technique
- How to Make a Child Identification Kit
- When You Can't Feel God
- A Team of Researchers Are Planning to Create a Catalog of Human Genetics, Which Wi...
- Bell's Palsy: A Rare Condition
- Pseudocyesis: False Pregnancy a Rare Condition
- Iris Recognition Technology: The Next Level in Authentication
59 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for sharing. I could not imagine having no fingerprints.
I hadn't heard of this. I had heard of someone who injured his hand and was unable to use a fingerprint sensor at work after the injury. I had heard that twins have different prints :)
wow!!!
Fascinating! I did not know of this condition before!
Interesting. I also wonder that we live in such a state of constant fear. Driven, we are, by the evil that lurks around us such that authorities alway push for new laws and new forms of controlling the wicked. When will we understand that control comes from within, not without. Ok. not such much what you were writing about, just something that all this matter of security brings to my nind.
News to me.
Wow! I never knew that some people were born without fingerprints. So interesting
Very interesting!
How very odd. I agree that you have a knack for finding the most intriguing and interesting topics. I have never heard of this, and now because of you I have learned something new. Thanks!
never heard of this condition, but find it quite interesting...Was it Dillinger or Capone who tried to use acid to get rid of his fingerprints--I bet they wish they had this :P~ Excellent article and very interesting!