What novel procedure was introduced by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory in Japan in 1982 for processing latent prints?

The choice of superglue, specifically cyanoacrylate, as the correct answer reflects a significant advancement in the forensic processing of latent prints. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory in Japan introduced this innovative method in 1982, which involved fuming objects with cyanoacrylate to develop latent fingerprints.

When latent prints come into contact with the vapor of superglue, a chemical reaction occurs that deposits a white polymer on the ridges of the print. This technique not only made it possible to visualize prints on a variety of surfaces where traditional methods may have failed, such as metals or plastics, but it also contributed to the durability and preservation of the prints for further analysis. Superglue fuming became a standard practice in forensic science, enhancing the ability to recover and examine latent prints under various conditions.

In contrast, the other methods listed have their own historical significance and applications in latent print processing, but they do not represent the groundbreaking procedure introduced by the U.S. Army in 1982. Fluorescent dye, involved in the visual enhancement of prints, is used in different contexts, while magnetic powder is a method appropriate for certain surfaces but lacks the versatility of cyanoacrylate. Chemical etching applies