Abstract: This study evaluated the ability to produce FORensic Capture Enrichment (FORCE) genotypes using amplicon-based and capture-based enrichment assays. The FORCE panel is a standardized set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers developed for forensic applications. Twelve DNA samples were prepared and distributed to the laboratories for testing: five control DNA samples, a dilution series ranging from 10ng to 0.03ng, two degraded DNA samples with 200bp and 150bp average fragment lengths, and one inhibited sample spiked with humic acid. Fifteen laboratories from three different continents participated in this study, choosing from one of four manufacturer-developed enrichment assays to complete the … MORE
Signature Science Interviewed for RAND AI Safety Paper
March 16, 2026 • Last year, Signature Science AI Biosafety Lead Dr. Danielle LeSassier was interviewed as part of a multi-institutional study led by RAND into the state of Human Uplift Studies for informing AI Safety. As providers in this space, … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – February 2026
We’re gearing up for another ASCLD Symposium and are excited to be part of 2026’s packed agenda! We’re hosting two plenary talks and one deep dive session. Scroll for a preview of SigSci Forensics on the agenda. Dates & Times TBA! View … MORE
Abstract: Accurate assessment of low-dose neutron radiation exposure remains a central challenge in biodosimetry, particularly for applications requiring non-invasive sample types such as skin. Here, we characterized the transcriptional response of a three-dimensional in vitro human skin model (EpiDermFT) to neutron irradiation at … MORE
Dr. Ben H. Thacker Joins Signature Science’s Managers Committee
Thacker serves as Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Research Institute. AUSTIN, TX – February 10, 2026 – Signature Science, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Ben H. Thacker, P.E. to its Managers Committee following his appointment as Southwest Research Institute’s Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Thacker brings nearly four decades of both scientific and leadership experience to the position, having joined Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in 1988. Dr. Thacker has made significant contributions throughout his technical engineering career, including his critical support of NASA’s Return to Flight program following the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Immediately prior to his recent promotion … MORE
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 … 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 … 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