Your friendly neighborhood non-chemist, Ned here.
This week I had a chat with my pal Bob the Crime Scene Tech. Actually, it was more like a monologue that I listened to. He took off and put on latex gloves repeatedly during the hour I was there. I had never seen someone do that so often before. He was working on a messy case. Not mine, thank the Florida alligators!
I never knew I loved to listen, but apparently I do… when Bob’s around. Or maybe it’s just that I can’t get a word in edgewise.
That’s a mystery for another time.
I dropped into the lab to ask Bob a few questions. Things are making me pretty nervous folks, I cannot lie. You’ll know why when you read Wrecks and Critters. You’ll start getting an idea in Pairs and Mishaps. Hey, I guess I’m a detective and your personal book salesman. These books are easy to sell. They’ll fly off the shelves.
🧪 Bob, some gloves, and the Case of Chemistry-Challenged Ned
Coagulant. Vulcanizing. Leaching. Beading.
Calcium Nitrate. Calcium Carbonate.
Take off the -ing or the -ate and I know those words. Add them back and I’m lost. What does it all have to do with crime scenes?
I’m glad you ask.
Bob was dusting a mysterious vial (that I may or may not have received under suspicious circumstances—shh!) for prints. Then he launched into a monologue about DNA contamination. DNA contamination?! Oh no. I’m already a suspect—what more could go wrong?
🧤 Gloves On, Evidence Safe
Turns out, crime scene tools like swabs, gloves, and containers are specially made to be DNA-free, thanks to how they’re manufactured. Like latex gloves.
Ever seen how those are made? It’s hilarious—and horrifying. Rows of creepy, hand-shaped molds hang upside down, dipping into chemical vats like some kind of horror-movie synchronized swimming team.
They go through all sorts of science-y steps: leaching, vulcanizing, and beading. By the end, you’ve got the trusty gloves no detective wants to go without.
Unless you’re the art thief hot on my trail, in which case I really hope you skipped the sanitary sheaths when you handled that vial.
We’ll find out. If Bob ever stops talking.
Until Next Week,
Detective Ned
🔍 Crime Scene Tech Tip:
Wear gloves made with DNA-free materials when handling evidence—even your fingerprints aren’t as innocent as you think.
🤔If You’re Interested
Check out this video by Deyi MACHINERY showing the glove manufacturing process.
Ned wants to know… What do you think? Leave your evidence below. 🕵️♂️