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Scientists Rethink Just How Fingerprint Friction Works

by Caleb Johnson on June 15, 2009 at 03:18 PM

The line between science and science-fiction continues to blur. When we were young, functional prosthetic limbs blew our minds. Now, college students can build them. Not only do these devices allow amputees more independence, but some promise to restore the sense of touch, at that. While these developments are amazing enough, a couple of British biomechanicists (that's right; it's a word) might have discovered a secret that could lead to even more advances, including allowing prosthetic hands to feel as well as natural hands do.

Roland Ennos and Peter Warman told ABC News their study shows that fingerprints reduce friction, which is a departure from the common belief that they increase grip. In their study, Ennos and Warman measured friction by sliding a weighted plastic sheet across the finger. The results showed that, as it does with most any substance, friction increased as more of the fingerprint's ridges of skin touched the plastic sheet. Accordingly, though, Ennos told ABC News that ink measurements taken during the study showed that fingerprints actually "reduce the contact area with the surface," and therefore actually reduce friction.

While this study does reveal a new truth about fingerprints, it does not limit or define the exact use of the creases and ridges on our fingers. To that end, Ennos did posit that fingerprints could decrease the likelihood of blisters by decreasing stress between the finger and rough surfaces. [From: ABC News]

Tags: biotech, fingerprint, prosthetic, science, study, top

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