Can fingerprints be lifted from human skin?

Fingerprints can indeed be lifted from human skin using specific techniques designed for that purpose. While it is more challenging to collect fingerprints from skin compared to hard surfaces like glass or metal, advancements in forensic science have provided methods to do so effectively.

Skin presents a more porous and flexible surface than typical fingerprinting mediums, making it necessary to employ specialized techniques, such as the use of powders, cyanoacrylate fuming, or alternate light sources, which can enhance the visibility of the prints. These methods allow forensic experts to recover latent fingerprints from skin, enabling them to be analyzed in criminal investigations.

The other choices reflect misconceptions about fingerprint recovery from skin. For instance, fingerprints can be obtained from skin regardless of its moisture level, contradicting the notion that it only occurs when the skin is wet. Additionally, the age of the individual does not limit the ability to retrieve fingerprints; the techniques are applicable to anyone, not just children. Understanding these principles highlights the versatility and evolving techniques within the field of forensic analysis.