January 2, 2025

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 the presence of PCR inhibitors, typically resulting in limited... MORE
Text: rplanes, silhouette of a face with viruses coming out of mouth
November 15, 2024

PLANES: Plausibility Analysis of Epidemiological Signals (GitHub)

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 be multi-dimensional and flexible, yielding an overall score based... MORE
November 5, 2024

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 Signature Science have collaborated to implement a workflow which enables... MORE
Text: rplanes, silhouette of a face with viruses coming out of mouth
October 8, 2024

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 be multi-dimensional and flexible, yielding an overall score based... MORE
October 5, 2024

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 them together to chat, pick their brains, and learn about... MORE
TEI REX Phase 2
September 3, 2024

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 2 of its Targeted Evaluation of Ionizing Radiation Exposure... MORE
unraveling ball of rope on red background
August 6, 2024

MixDeR: A SNP Mixture Deconvolution Workflow for Forensic Genetic Genealogy

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... MORE
Empty jury bench
August 5, 2024

HORIZON Newsletter – August 2024

How are the words we use when delivering expert witness testimony understood by the average member of a jury? What impact might television shows depicting the criminal justice system and 24/7 access to news reporting have on the average jury member? And, how do we effectively communicate the science behind... MORE
July 31, 2024

An Imputation-Based Approach for Augmenting Sparse Epidemiological Signals

Abstract: Near-term disease forecasting and scenario projection efforts rely on the availability of data to train and evaluate model performance. In most cases, more extensive epidemiological time series data can lead to better modeling results and improved public health insights. Here we describe a procedure to augment an epidemiological time... MORE