Abstract: Introduction: Nucleic acid synthesis is a dual-use technology that can benefit fields such as biology, medicine, and information storage. However, synthetic nucleic acids could also potentially be used negligently and ultimately cause harm, or be used with malicious intent to cause harm. Thus, this technology needs to be appropriately safeguarded. Sequence screening is one component of a biosecurity protocol for preventing such harm and consists of identifying Sequences of Concern (SOCs). There exist many fit-for-purpose tools that have been developed for nucleic acid synthesis sequence screening. However, questions remain regarding their performance with respect to the consistency of screening. Methods: To aid in … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – November 2025
Collaboration Leads to a Breakthrough in a Case That’s Close to Home After over 30 years, breakthroughs in forensic science have led investigators to identify a person of interest in the 1991 murders of four young Austin-area girls; Eliza Thomas, Amy … MORE
Signature Science Membership on ARPA-H BREATHE Program Team Announced
October 22, 2025 • A press release issued by The University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute announced that the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has awarded a contract for up to $40 million through its Bioaerosol Risk Assessment interVention Engineering … MORE
Company will apply biological and chemical threat expertise to evaluate AI models for risk of malicious misuse. AUSTIN, TEXAS – October 21, 2025 – Signature Science, LLC, has been selected for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for … MORE
Authorized Statement on the Yogurt Shop Murders Investigation
October 07, 2025 – After over 30 years, breakthroughs in forensic science have led investigators to identify a person of interest in the 1991 murders of four young Austin-area girls; Eliza Thomas, Amy Ayers, and sisters Jennifer Harbison and Sarah Harbison. Announced at a media briefing held by the City of Austin on Monday, 9/29, this development in the “Yogurt Shop Murders” case represents the outcome of years of tireless commitment, open communication, and coordinated efforts across the forensic and law enforcement communities. In keeping with our confidentiality policies and professional obligations, Signature Science does not comment on specific cases without … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – July 2025
We’re excited to launch our new dedicated forensics website designed to make working with Signature Science easier and more efficient than ever before! The new website features: Comprehensive Forensic DNA Testing Services – In-depth information on our full suite of forensic DNA testing capabilities Streamlined … MORE
Our Interns’ Summer with SigSci Forensics
Each summer, Signature Science, LLC welcomes at least one intern to assist with research in our Center for Advanced Genomics (CAG). The research and validations performed at the CAG are shared with the forensic community in the form of open-source … MORE
Abstract: Nucleic acid synthesis is a dual-use technology that can benefit fields such as biology, medicine, and information storage. However, synthetic nucleic acids could also potentially be used negligently and ultimately cause harm, or be used with malicious intent to cause … MORE
The Case for Limiting “Sequences of Concern” to Those with Demonstrated Pathogenic Function
Abstract: Screening synthetic nucleic acid orders for sequences of concern is a necessary part of a healthy biosecurity regime, but it exacts costs for nucleic acid providers. Taxonomy is and will remain a critical part of the decision-making process for screening, … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – April 2025
Accredited FGG Services to Better Serve You! Signature Science’s Advanced Genomics Laboratory has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality standard for forensic testing of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). As part of the accreditation process, our … MORE
PLANES: Plausibility Analysis of Epidemiological Signals – Published in “PLoS One”
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