Allyson Milliard – Page 2 – Signature Science

July 8, 2025

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 software, accessible publications, and conference workshops and presentations, and support... MORE

June 5, 2025

New Preprint: Inter-Tool Analysis of a NIST Dataset for Assessing Baseline Nucleic Acid Sequence Screening

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 harm. Thus, this technology needs to be appropriately safeguarded.... MORE

May 29, 2025

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, especially for viral sequences. But, moving forward, the function... MORE

May 7, 2025

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 laboratory successfully passed ANAB’s assessment with zero non-conformances... MORE

April 1, 2025

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 be multi-dimensional and flexible, yielding an overall score based on... 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 be multi-dimensional and flexible, yielding an overall score based on... MORE

March 31, 2025

DNA Retrieved from Spent Shell Casing Presented as Evidence in Washington, DC Homicide Case

March 31, 2025 - Spent Shell Casing evidence submitted to Signature Science for DNA extraction and analysis was presented in a Washington, DC homicide trial this week. The analyst who processed the evidence delivered expert witness testimony. From the article: "The prosecution also called a DNA expert from Signature Science... MORE

March 25, 2025

New and Revised Gene Ontology Biological Process Terms Describe Multiorganism Interactions Critical for Understanding Microbial...

Abstract: Background There is a new framework from the United States government for screening synthetic nucleic acids. Beginning in October of 2026, it calls for the screening of sequences 50 nucleotides or greater in length that are known to contribute to pathogenicity or toxicity for humans, regardless of the taxa... MORE

March 4, 2025

Signature Science selected for GSA Unrestricted OASIS+ Research and Development Contract

AUSTIN, TEXAS – March 04, 2025 - Signature Science, LLC is a recipient of an award under the General Services Administration (GSA) Unrestricted OASIS+ (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus) contract vehicle. The company has a prime award in the Research and Development domain.OASIS+ is a “Best-in-Class” (BIC) government-wide,... MORE

February 25, 2025

FluFIVE: Publicly Hosted Flu Communication Dashboard

The Flu Forecasting Interpretation Visualization and Evaluation (FluFIVE) web application provides a user-friendly interface to explore probabilistic near-term forecasts of incident influenza hospitalizations in the United States. The source of forecasts is the CDC FluSight initiative, which since 2013 has served as a consortium to coordinate influenza forecasting efforts in the United States. FluFIVE provides forecast... MORE