SigSci Blog

Inaugural CAG Symposium Fosters Deeper Understanding of Key FIGG Topics

Roundtable discussions offered small groups the opportunity to discuss their challenges in the space of FIGG and offer solutions In recent years, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) has become a primary focus of large forensic conferences as laboratories explore the adoption of the associated technologies and workflows, law enforcement officials... MORE
Image of burning minivan over historical image of Wall Street bombing

New Methods, Same Motives: The IED Threat Requires a Resolute Response

THE EVOLVING THREAT The defeat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is, and has always been, a complex and constantly changing problem set. While the designs and methods used to build and deploy bombs have evolved, the desire of individuals and organizations to cause harm using IEDs has been constant, and... MORE
DNA Touch logo with text "Synthetic Fingermarks for Genomics Research"

DNA-Touch™ – Synthetic Fingermarks for Genomics Research

Variability in the amount of DNA deposited by individuals when touching a surface poses a significant hurdle to the evaluation of forensic analysis methods for touch samples. No two human latent fingerprint samples are the same due to the "shedder" status of different individuals as well as other factors including... 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
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
Question mark over an Illustration of a male figure with DNA helices

Probabilistic Genotyping Brings Benefits to DNA Casework

The interpretation of DNA mixtures continues to be a pervasive topic in the field of forensic DNA analysis. With the long awaited publication of the NIST MIX05 MIX13 study, and an increasing number of DNA laboratories turning to probabilistic genotyping, it’s worth stopping for a moment to consider just how the... MORE