Why are isotopes useful? What is so cool about isotopes? Well, if you think tracking down someone scientifically with what beverage they drank is cool, then you're going to find this interesting! Beverages have their own chemical "signature" which is unique to a certain area. These isotopes turn into proteins which go to your hair, when studied, can show you a certain tea where you have been. If you were in the north, or in the south, the mountains, or the plains, these isotopes show it!
How can you actually tell where someone has been? Isotopes have hydrogen and oxygen molecules, which vary in quantity in different places. For example, if you are going to be in Denver, there are less oxygen molecules there then Dallas. Different geographical areas contain different amounts of the elements. These isotopes are then turned into proteins which are found in your hair. If you study the hair, you could tell where they probably have been.
How can you actually tell where someone has been? Isotopes have hydrogen and oxygen molecules, which vary in quantity in different places. For example, if you are going to be in Denver, there are less oxygen molecules there then Dallas. Different geographical areas contain different amounts of the elements. These isotopes are then turned into proteins which are found in your hair. If you study the hair, you could tell where they probably have been.
To me, this article was more cool than helpful. There would not be that much use for this sort of technology anywhere. This could prove to be an effective way of following someone's tracks. I just thought of it as an interesting article that I would share with all of you!
Article Citation:
"Chemical Beverage Signatures Allow Geographical Tracking of People By What They've Been Drinking." Popular Science. Bonnier Corporation, 2012. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
This blog is really interesting. I like how you included isotopes with tracking someone. Is that how you do a DNA test?
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Isotopes seem like they could play an important role in life.
ReplyDeleteJackson 1061, I really enjoyed the blog! I think it's really cool that you can track people by their beverage! Is there a specific beverage that is more traceable than other beverages?
ReplyDelete