Abstract: Background There is a new framework from the United States government for screening synthetic nucleic acids. Beginning in October of 2026, it calls for the screening of sequences 50 nucleotides or greater in length that are known to contribute to pathogenicity or toxicity for humans, regardless of the taxa from which it originates. Distinguishing sequences that encode pathogenic and toxic functions from those that lack them is not simple. Objectives Our project scope was to discern, describe, and catalog sequences involved in microbial pathogenesis from the scientific literature. We recognize a need for better terminology to designate pathogenic functions that are relevant across … MORE
Signature Science selected for GSA Unrestricted OASIS+ Research and Development Contract
AUSTIN, TEXAS – March 04, 2025 – Signature Science, LLC is a recipient of an award under the General Services Administration (GSA) Unrestricted OASIS+ (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus) contract vehicle. The company has a prime award in … MORE
Signature Science Achieves ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS)
Achievement builds on Company’s forensic science laboratory’s accreditation scope and expands its accredited offerings into the Forensic Genetic Genealogy space. AUSTIN, TEXAS – February 25, 2025 – Signature Science’s Advanced Genomics Laboratory has been issued accreditation by ANAB, the ANSI National … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – February 2025
Laboratory Leadership at AAFS Documentary standards play a critical role in ensuring consistency, quality, and credibility in forensic science. Hosted in collaboration with Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, our Deep-Dive session at AAFS will explore the importance of standards development, how … MORE
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 an intense focus on the generation of SNP profiles from evidentiary specimens for so-called forensic or investigative genetic genealogy (FGG or IGG) applications. However, FGG methods are constrained by the algorithms for genealogical database searches, which were designed for use with single-source profiles, and the fact that many forensic samples are mixtures. To enable the use of two-person mixtures … MORE
January 29, 2025 • A press release issued by LMI Group International, Inc. detailed the conclusion of multi-year, interdisciplinary investigation to authenticate a painting and attribute it to the artist, Vincent van Gogh. The investigation combined traditional authentication and innovative scientific methods. During … MORE
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 … 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 … MORE