November 2024

Lunch is on Us - Let's Talk FIGG!

IHIA's 2024 Cold Case Conference, Dec. 3-5

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Austin TX

Trying to solve a case with a diminished, degraded sample? Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) may be the right method for the job. But figuring out how to apply this emerging method isn’t without risk and trepidation. Let’s talk about how FIGG can work for you:

Does FIGG make sense for your case? How do you know?
How does your sample match up with the available laboratory analysis methods? How do you choose which one to use?
What if your sample is a mixture of contributors? How can you use FGG for those cases?

MixDeR: A SNP Mixture Deconvolution Workflow for Forensic Genetic Genealogy

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 Signature Science have collaborated to implement a workflow which enables the analysis of ForenSeq® Kintelligence SNP genotyping results from two-person mixtures and directs deconvolution of the profiles in EuroForMix (EFM). The team then developed MixDeR, which allows streamlined analysis and filters the EFM outputs to produce inferred single-source genotypes in reports formatted for use with GEDmatch® PRO.

Our team has performed initial testing of the MixDeR workflow, deconvoluting Kintelligence SNP profiles generated from two-person DNA mixtures.

The preprint is now available online! Catch up on this exciting development.

Hemp and Cannabis Proficiency Testing for Toxicology Laboratories

AOAC International and Signature Science offer a Hemp and Cannabis Proficiency Test Program that can be used by toxicology laboratories to satisfy PT testing requirements, training, method development and evaluation, demonstration of capability, and more.

The program offers ready-to-analyze operationally relevant true-matrix samples that have undergone rigorous QC testing, along with a scientifically and statistically defensible scoring approach and transparent reporting.

Need a more tailored solution? Inquire with program manager Danielle Lenoir today about custom PT samples for your needs.

Contact Danielle

Friendships Forged in Forensics

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 at Signature Science. We wanted to get them together to chat, pick their brains, and learn about that friendship, how it developed, and how it impacts their day-to-day in the lab.

An excerpt from the interview:

Samantha: "We do a lot of studying together. Not to plug working here too hard, but there are great advancement opportunities and we are pretty constantly training for something new or studying to obtain a new certification. Belinda and Natalie, because they’re analysts, are usually on the same track, and because I’m a DNA Technician training to be an analyst, there’s a lot of information sharing outside of work and a ton of study nights."

A Look Back at ISHI 2024

The 35th International Symposium on Human Identification was one for the books! Our laboratory staff caught up with friends from across the forensic DNA community and loved greeting everyone at our booth, which was outfitted for the Texas-based show with western gear and conference SWAG.

Samantha Wandzek, our Technical Leader, co-hosted a workshop, "From Lab to Verdict: Navigating the Intersection of Forensic Science, Media, and Legal Decision Making." We thank everyone who chose to attend the workshop, and hope you had as much fun as we did! See you all next year!

Join our Growing Forensics Team!

Signature Science is looking for a remote Analyst to support our Forensic DNA laboratory!

As part of the Signature Science team, you’ll collaborate with experts in the field of forensic science as an integral part of The Center for Advanced Genomics®.

SigSci laboratory staff work to support a robust, growing client base, and can expect to be challenged daily with a diversified caseload. Learn more about Forensic DNA testing at SigSci here and apply to start a rewarding career at Signature Science today!

Current Openings:

Remote Forensic DNA Analyst

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