How do we recognize biological materials by touch?
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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence
Published on: March 9, 2015
Takaaki Miyashita1, Takashi Maeno, Yoshimune Nonomura
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan.
Abstract:
Biological materials are often used as industrial sources; however, the features of their tactile texture have not been examined. Here, we show that the features of biological materials are warm, silky, and non-slippery sensations, which are governed by thermal conductivity, surface energy, and surface roughness. Interestingly, surface roughness is the most important factor in determining these three tactile sensations. This finding is valuable for developing virtual reality systems and humanoids as well as for understanding the cognitive mechanism of biological materials.
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