Episode

How do forensic scientists find fingerprints?

Podcast: Chemistry For Your Life
Published: Jun 25, 2026
Duration seconds: 3282
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Summary

There are a lot more ways to reveal a fingerprint than the black powder you see on TV. In this second part of our forensic chemistry series with Nicki Stewart, we explore the surprising chemistry behind fingerprints. From powders and iodine vapor to super glue fumes and chemical reactions, we break down how forensic scientists reveal invisible fingerprints—and why choosing the right method depends entirely on the surface, the chemistry, and the evidence they’re trying to preserve.