Everyone is special; everyone is different. ‘You can change your world by changing your words… Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue’. Joel Osteen. As we all know forensic scientists have used fingerprints in criminal investigations as a means of identification for centuries.
Fingerprint identification is one of the most important criminal investigation tools due to two features: their persistence and their uniqueness. A person’s fingerprints do not change over time. Because each person’s fingerprints are unique, and not even identical twins—who share the same DNA—have identical fingerprints, this also shows that fingerprints are not completely controlled by genetics
Many modes of identification systems have come into existence later as fingerprint, iris scan, skin color, signature verification, voice recognition, and face recognition. However, do you know that the tongue is unique to every person with respect to its shape, length width and thickness. Since it is an internal organ, it can be easily exposed for inspection and the exposed surface carries the required information. The surface and shape remain constant. The external surroundings protect the tongue, and so the external factors do not seem to have important impact.
It is also a reliable proof of life. Shapes of the tongue are elliptical; hammer; rectangular; square; acute triangle; obtuse triangle and round. (1) It seems that the quotes the tongue has NO bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart will turn into fact as the tongue can be a strong proof of identity. No two tongues are similar.
Other Unique Body Features
1. Lip Prints (Cheiloscopy)
The Science: The lines and grooves on your lips—called “labial wrinkles”—form a pattern that is unique to you. They develop in the womb and remain stable throughout life.
The “Whoa” Factor: Like fingerprints, they’re classified: branching, intersecting, reticulate. They’re so reliable, forensic scientists use lip prints left on cups or windows as evidence, calling it the “mouth’s fingerprint.”
2. Ear Shape (Otoacoustic Identity)
The Science: The convoluted shape of your outer ear—its folds, ridges, and lobes—is incredibly distinctive. Surprisingly, your ears are more unique than your fingerprints in some recognition systems.
The “Whoa” Factor: Smartphones and security systems are experimenting with “earprint” unlocking. Even the way sound echoes in your ear canal is unique, used in personalized audio tech.
3. Vein Patterns (Vascular Biometrics)
The Science: The map of veins beneath your skin—especially in your palms, fingers, and wrists—is a unique network formed by random embryological processes. Infrared light can read it.
The “Whoa” Factor: This is considered one of the most secure biometrics because your vein pattern is internal and nearly impossible to forge. Banks in Japan use palm vein scanners for ATMs.
4. Nail Bed Ridges
The Science: Look closely at your fingernails. The series of vertical ridges underneath the nail plate, in the nail bed, form a pattern that is unique to each digit and each person.
The “Whoa” Factor: While not as commonly used, these ridges can be used for identification when other prints are damaged or unavailable. Your nails carry a hidden code.
5. Retinal & Iris Patterns (Ocular Biometrics)
The Science:
- Retina: The unique pattern of blood vessels at the back of your eye.
- Iris: The colored ring around your pupil, with its furrows, ridges, and crypts.
Both are so complex and random that even identical twins have different patterns.
The “Whoa” Factor: The retina has over 400 unique data points. It’s so secure it’s used in high-level government facilities. Your eyes aren’t just windows to your soul—they’re high-security access keys.
6. Gait (Your Walk’s Signature)
The Science: The way you walk—your stride length, hip sway, foot pressure, and rhythm—is a unique behavioral biometric. Advanced sensors and AI can identify people just by their walk from a distance.
The “Whoa” Factor: Surveillance and security systems can now recognize you by your silhouette and movement, even with your face covered or back turned. Your walk is literally your signature stride.