Forensics

The Grime on Your Smartphone Can Reveal Your Secrets

If the idea of someone digging up dirt about you is a concern, WikiLeaks may be only part of your worries. The dirt you leave behind on your smartphonealso can reveal information about what you've been up to, according to a new study.

By taking just a quick swab of the chemical residue on a smartphone, scientists at the University of California, San Diego, could construct a lifestyle sketch of the phone's owner, including his or her diet, health status, locations visited and even preferred hygiene products.

The researchers said they see a range of possible uses for such an analysis, from criminal profiling and forensics to health studies that monitor a person's exposure to toxins or adherence to a medicine regimen. [Body Bugs: 5 Surprising Facts About Your Microbiome]