THE BODY BEAUTIFUL



It's a well-known fact that many people (including former boxer George Foreman) have no fingerprints. What would be the most common way of losing one's fingerprints, and what side-effects would it have? Jim Fishwick, Sydney, Australia I gather harpists lose their fingerprints - at least those who practice hard enough Alison Purseglove, Wincanton, UK As many as 10% of people don't have fingerprints, or have fingerprints so faint they they are only viewable with specialist equipment. This is why they aren't a suitable basis for biometric ID cards. Reasons for this include genetics and some skin conditions. But the most common cause is for the fingerprints to be temporarily worn away (bricklayers are particularly prone to this). Fingerprints work like the tread on a tyre. Other than a possible difficulty in holding wet washing-up, there are few downsides to not having them. Allan, Wimbledon George's first biography mentions that he lost his fingerprints in an accident with chemical drain cleaner at age 23. Skin burned with certain types of chemical burn does not regrow, so this effect would be permanent. Some criminals have been known to attempt this deliberately, but it is extremely tricky and rarely successful. Colin Jackson, Telford, UK Everyone has fingerprints, including George Foreman. That was a rumour started on Australian radio. Scott, Seattle, USA Yeah, George Foreman has fingerprints. It was a rumour made up by a great comedian called Ross Noble. Saw him live the other day and he admitted it was not true and made it up because it sounded like it could be true. Just googled it and it's amazing how many people believe it, to the point it is now in the urban dictionary. Anonymous, Birmingham United Kingdom



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