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These studies suggest fingerprints are created due to a buckling instability in the basal cell layer of the fetal epidermis, influenced by the fingertip's geometry during ridge formation.
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Fingerprints, or epidermal ridges, have been a subject of scientific inquiry for centuries. They are unique to each individual and have been used for identification purposes for over 2000 years. Despite extensive research, the exact reasons for the development of these patterns remain a topic of debate among scientists.
Development Mechanism:
Interaction with Surfaces:
Fingerprints are formed due to mechanical stresses in the fetal epidermis, leading to a buckling instability that creates the unique ridge patterns. These patterns interact with surfaces in specific ways, which are essential for their detection and use in identification.
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