What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Collected DNA From?
One of our favorite questions to ask is “what is the weirdest thing you’ve collected DNA from?” because the answers always surprise us and lead to great conversations. Read below to see what our ISHI 33 speakers share and then join the discussion on our social channels to let us know the unusual things you’ve […]
What’s the Best Part of Being a Forensic Scientist?
Bringing justice for victims? Advancing new technologies? Read below to see what our ISHI 33 speakers say they enjoy most about their job then join the discussion on our social channels to let us know what your favorite part of being a forensic scientist is. Serve justice and protect citizens. In DVI […]
Forensic Scientist of Note: Dr. Bruce Budowle
Today’s blog is written by guest blogger Carol Bingham, Promega. Reposted from The ISHI Report with permission. We chatted with Dr. Bruce Budowle about the long and illustrious career that the has enjoyed in forensic science. Bruce has been a true pioneer in the field and continues to be a champion for advancing the […]
Establishing Protein Sequencing for Forensic Analysis
In this interview, Travis chats with Curt Hewitt of Signature Science about using protein polymorphisms instead of DNA for identification purposes. They discuss the differences between sequencing protein and DNA and which proteins can be sequenced for this purpose as well as the benefits and when it makes sense to use one over the other. […]
Analysis of the Genealogy Process in Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Travis chats with Larry Wein, a professor at Stanford University who has provided U.S. Congressional testimony on the US-VISIT Program and an Indian Supreme Court briefing on the UIDAI Program, and has recently published papers on ballistic imaging and sexual assault kits. At ISHI 32 last year, Larry spoke on developing a systematic approach […]
Under the Microscope – Julie Conover Sikorsky
In August of 2020 the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Biology Unit (FBU) went on- line with a Rapid DNA program. Their goals were three-fold: 1) incorporate this technology into their regular casework cadence; 2) establish a Rapid DNA infrastructure within their service area; and 3) develop a plan to mobilize this technology should […]
Under the Microscope – Abigail Bathrick
Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method in which a swab or substrate punch is added to an amplification reaction without prior extraction or quantification and has been shown to improve DNA profiles from some types of low-yield DNA evidence samples. Direct PCR maximizes the amount of DNA template in a reaction by eliminating […]
Under the Microscope – Nicole Richetelli
DNAmix 2021 is a rigorous, large-scale study conducted to evaluate the extent of consistency and variation among forensic laboratories in interpretations and statistical analyses of DNA mixtures, and to assess the effects of various potential sources of variability. To this end, this study utilized a four-phased approach: Policies and Procedures (P&P) Questionnaire — Online […]
Identifying Missing Persons at the Center for Human Identification
The Missing Persons Unit under the Center of Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTCHI) specializes in the DNA analysis and identification of missing persons cases and processes more than 50% of the unidentified human remains of the missing persons cases in the US. Jianye Ge, discusses software that […]
