In 1921 farmers discovered that when they covered the muzzles of their cattle with ink and pressed the noses onto paper, the resulting images were as unique as human fingerprints. Though potentially invaluable in research labs, this technology is still experimental-the algorithm will occasionally mistake patterns in fur or distortion from folded ears as veins. Scientists can keep track of their furry test subjects by photographing unique patterns of blood vessels in the rodents’ ears. Rodents used in labs have traditionally been marked with tattoos, ear clips or implants, but recent research illuminates a potential alternative that is more efficient, cost-effective and minimizes pain for the animals.Ī study published in 2007 in the journal Lab Animal details a proposed switch to biometric identifiers rather than physical tags. The software is currently being used to build a zebra-print database for plains and endangered Grevy’s zebras in Kenya. The software converts digital photos of zebra’s flanks into a series of horizontal, black-and-white pixelated bands, which creates a unique “StripeCode” for each animal, similar to a barcode. In 2011 a joint project between Princeton University and the University of Illinois at Chicago created StripeSpotter, a free, open-source computer program to identify the animals in the wild. The stripes also serve a different purpose for researchers: Each zebra has a unique configuration of stripes, which allows conservationists to keep track of zebra populations without physically tagging the animals. Scientists aren’t certain exactly why zebras have stripes, but they surmise the markings could serve as camouflage, a natural sunscreen or even a pest repellant. Researchers are starting to rely on a combination of biometric technologies and animals’ unique characteristics to remove the need for invasive or disruptive tagging techniques, allowing conservationists to monitor individuals without putting undue stress on the animals. Within the past decade, biologists have developed new high-tech ways of using animals’ unique features to differentiate between individuals with minimal physical interference. Such methods are often invasive and can alter behavior, injure the animals or increase susceptibility to predators by impeding movement or camouflage. In the past, researchers have relied on externally imposed methods of identifying individual animals, such as leg or arm bands, collars, toe clipping, ear notching, brands or tattoos. But what physical characteristics distinguish other animals from each other? ![]() Every human has a unique series of ridges at the tip of each digit that serves as a biometric identifier, or a measurement that can be used to distinguish between individuals. From unlocking a phone to solving a homicide, fingerprints are often used in daily life to differentiate between individuals.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |