An Investigation of Downstream Processing Methods for Challenging Skeletal Samples
Abstract: While skeletal remains are known for their resilience and often serve as the final source of information for unidentified human remains (UHRs), the traditional downstream processing of these samples is challenging due to their low template nature, DNA degradation, and the presence of PCR inhibitors, typically resulting in limited probative information. To address this issue, advanced genotyping methods can be explored to retrieve additional genetic information from these challenging samples to maximize investigative leads. Therefore, this study investigated the effectiveness of three advanced genotyping methods and assessed their suitability with compromised skeletal samples: 1) targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of … MORE
HORIZON Newsletter – November 2024
Sample mixtures and the ability to deconvolute SNP profiles present a challenge for investigations using FGG. These mixtures are common in forensics, however, database search algorithms utilized for FGG only accommodate single-source SNP profiles. To address this gap, NBFAC and … MORE
PLANES: Plausibility Analysis of Epidemiological Signals
Abstract: Methods for reviewing epidemiological signals are necessary to building and maintaining data-driven public health capabilities. We have developed a novel approach for assessing the plausibility of infectious disease forecasts and surveillance data. The PLANES (PLausibility ANalysis of Epidemiological Signals) methodology is designed to … MORE
An Interview with Friends who Found Each Other Through Forensic Science
In October, we sat down with Natalie Collins, Belinda Reyes, and Samantha Guigliemi, analysts in our Forensic Laboratory in Austin, TX. These three share a close friendship that has flourished in their time a Signature Science. We wanted to get … MORE
IARPA Awards Signature Science $3.8M for Phase 2 of TEI-REX Program
Signature Science will optimize the performance of its novel biodosimetry approach developed in Phase 1 AUSTIN, TEXAS – September 3, 2024 – The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) has selected the team led by Signature Science to advance to Phase 2 of its Targeted Evaluation of Ionizing Radiation Exposure (TEI-REX) program. The next phase is valued at $3.8 million. The objective of TEI-REX is to investigate the possibility of quantifying low-dose ionizing radiation exposure from non-invasive sample types, such as hair and skin, to identify biomarkers reflective of an exposure event and cumulative dose, dose rate, type of dose, and … MORE
SigSci will use proprietary sample preparation technology and proven workflows to detect unknown RNA and DNA viruses simultaneously. AUSTIN, TEXAS — August 27, 2024 — In the wake of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, public health officials have made it a priority … MORE
MixDeR: A SNP Mixture Deconvolution Workflow for Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Abstract: The generation of forensic DNA profiles consisting of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is now being facilitated by wider adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods in casework laboratories. At the same time, and in part because of this advance, there is … MORE
HORIZON Newsletter – August 2024
How are the words we use when delivering expert witness testimony understood by the average member of a jury? What impact might television shows depicting the criminal justice system and 24/7 access to news reporting have on the average jury … MORE
Contract reflects the continued expansion of the Texas-based forensic DNA laboratory’s participation in nationwide sexual assault kit backlog reduction efforts. AUSTIN, TEXAS – July 30, 2024– Signature Science, LLC has been awarded a one-year, $1.2 million contract from the city of … MORE
Signature Science Analysts Performed DNA Analysis and Provided Expert Witness Testimony. AUSTIN, TEXAS – May 28, 2024 – The Washington D.C. Superior Court has found a defendant guilty in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in October 2022, due … MORE
Abstract: Unbiased long read sequencing holds enormous potential for the detection of pathogen sequences in clinical samples. However, the untargeted nature of these methods precludes conventional PCR approaches, and the metagenomic content of each sample increases the challenge of bioinformatic analysis. … MORE