CLPEX Chat Board

Fingerprint grip theory rejected

Scientists say they have disproved the theory that fingerprints improve grip by increasing friction between people's hands and the surface they are holding.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8093134.stm

So, it's just coincidence that the prehensile tailed monkeys have ridges, and the non-prehensile tailed monkeys had another reason for not hanging by their tails other than falling repeatedly on their heads when they tried on account of having slick tails.

(Or, to join the logic sometimes expressed, they must be there for friction because we've said they were for over 100 years.)

Well you know it may be,

In this article the guy does point out that ridges themselves may not increase friction with smooth surfaces. The research seems to be on one grad student and I dont think he has yet compared the friciton of normal skin to say skin without ridges in the cases of disease or genetic disorder.

It may be that the ridges (like he pointed out) increase flexability thus giving primates a better grip or only help with rougher surfaces.

I am waiting to read his actual paper and not just the news story about it before passing judgement on his conclusions.