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Dr John Bond, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester and Scientific Support Manager at Northamptonshire Police, has been cited in Time Magazine's top 50 inventions of the year.

Forensic scientist cited among world's top inventors

Technique developed by University of Leicester/Northamptonshire Police researcher is among Time Magazine’s top 50 inventions of 2008

Issued on 21 November 2008

Jpeg image of John Bond available from pressoffice@le.ac.uk

A revolutionary new technique developed by a researcher at the University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police has been named as one of Time Magazine’s top 50 inventions of the year.

Dr John Bond, from Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester’s Forensic Research Centre.

He has developed a method that enables scientists to ‘visualise fingerprints’ even after the print itself has been removed. He and colleagues conducted a study into the way fingerprints can corrode metal surfaces. The technique can enhance – after firing– a fingerprint that has been deposited on a small calibre metal cartridge case before it is fired.

The citation in Time Magazine states: “English physicist John Bond developed a technique for analyzing fingerprints on a gun after it's been wiped clean. Sweat corrodes metal, so Bond applied an electrical charge and a fine carbon powder to a gun's corroded part, revealing a fingerprint pattern. Police are already using the four-month-old technology to reopen some cases.”

Dr Bond has sparked worldwide interest through his technique. Speaking of the citation he said:

"We are very pleased that our work has been recognised in this way. Since this technique was published earlier in the year, we have been inundated with requests from police forces around the world to assist with unsolved crimes. I am pleased to say that, in a number of crimes, we have been able to visualize fingerprints where conventional techniques had been tried and had failed".

You can see the Time 50 Best Inventions of 2008 here: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854195_1854178,00.html

For more information, please contact:

Dr John W Bond

Scientific Support Manager, Protective Services Command, Northamptonshire Police, Wootton Hall, Northampton, NN4 0JQ

Honorary Research Fellow, University of Leicester, Forensic Research Centre,

Telephone 08453 700700 Ext 2200

Facsimile 01604 703210

Email john.bond@northants.pnn.police.uk or jwb13@le.ac.uk

Please cite University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police in any report