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Next Generation Sequencing to Detect Environmental Stress

Dr. Krista Ternus presented her research at the National Environmental Monitoring Conference held August 5-9, 2019. The presentation slides are available here. Abstract: Next generation sequencing (NGS) has the potential to detect changes within microbial communities in response to specific types of stress. However, the majority of species within complex... MORE
Gloved hand holding bag of white powder with drug paraphernalia in background

SigSciPT: Suspicious White Powder Incidents Present New Risks

Fentanyl and its analogues present identification challenges for first responders Fentanyl and its analogues are more frequently making their way into common street drugs, adding a new dimension of danger to even incidental exposure to these substances. Fentanyls are increasingly being added to heroin and other illicit drugs because they... MORE
Graphical representation of protein with text "Proteos-ID"

Signature Science Team Awarded Phase 2 Funding for IARPA’s Proteos Program

Researchers from Signature Science, University of North Texas Health Science Center, and The Ohio State University are combining their proteogenomic and investigative genetics expertise to develop a new method (called Proteo-ID) for human forensic analysis based on protein sequence, enabling the forensic analysis of samples that contain little or no... MORE
Person at TSA screening station

Focus on Third Party Testing to Support TSA Acquisitions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an interest in streamlining their acquisition process for new detection technologies. Manufacturers of detection technologies desire to get their products to market as fast as possible while also ensuring that equipment meets the TSA’s detection requirements. External testing (i.e. testing performed by third party... MORE
Male symbol on illustration of a male figure in front of DNA helix and laptop and QIAgility device

Increasing Sexual Assault Kit Workflow Efficiency Through Automation

Signature Science, a private Forensic DNA Laboratory based in Austin, Texas, validated a suite of robotics and associated methods for sexual assault kit processing in 2018 with the goal of increasing throughput while also delivering a more quantitatively robust product to our clients. Our internal assessment led to the selection... MORE
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Validating Metagenomic Analyses Through Simulated Direct and Indirect Healthcare-Related Pathogen Transmission Events

Abstract: The prevalence of healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) places a significant economic burden on modern healthcare systems. Cultures are typically used to diagnose HAI; however, culture-dependent methods provide only limited presence/absence information and are not applicable to all pathogens. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has the potential to detect a wide variety... MORE