Dundee scientists knuckle down on ID app

Dundee scientists are working on an app to identify people by their knuckles.

The Knuckle Down ID app aims to create a database using artificial intelligence algorithms to identify people through their knuckle creases.

Scientists at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at Dundee University say knuckle creases are “an increasingly prevalent biometric” used in forensic science and could have a significant impact in helping police to link suspects to crimes from images of their hands alone.

PhD student Lilly Dan, who is leading the Citizen Science project, said it will need the help of 2,000 people to contribute anonymous images of their hands taken using the Knuckle Down ID app.

It is available in Android and iOS app stores.

The app, which takes around 20 minutes to use, provides clear instructions on how to take and upload the images that the researchers need.

These images will then be sent anonymously to the research team and used as part of a database for developing the knuckle crease comparison algorithms.

The images are not shared with any external agencies and will be destroyed at the end of the research project.

The research was inspired by the pioneering work done by Dame Professor Sue Black during her time with Dundee University to develop the H-Unique programme.

This programme worked to discover whether our hands are truly unique by looking at anatomical differences caused by development, genetics, ageing, the environment and even accidents.