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Scientists in Belgium have unveiled a next generation identity management tool in the shape of a RFID-enabled tooth. The technology, said to be no bigger than a grain of rice, fits into a person’s tooth as a filling would, but is able to feed complex personal information into a database. The unnamed device is expected to be used to help forensic scientists identify bodies after natural disasters and terrorist attacks with numerous victims, The Guardian reported. Speaking to the newspaper, Patrick Thevissen, a forensic odontologist at the University of Leuvenin, said the chips can store data including a person’s name, nationality, date of birth, gender and national ID code. Tests have revealed that when implanted into a tooth, the chips can withstand normal biting forces and even work after being heated to 450C and cooled. Yet Dr Guy Poelman, member of the science team, believes an insulating layer would overcome the problem of the tooth expanding and contracting when hot and cold drinks are consumed. Upon modifying the design, the scientists believe the tag in the tooth will eventually allow forensic experts to swiftly identify a decomposed body. Dr Thevissen said: “When you put all identification data in one place in the body there can be no mistakes. You have an immediate identification. We want to store it in the tooth because it's the strongest and longest lived body part.” Mar 3, 2006 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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