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ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit from Verogen
January 26, 2021
The only sequence-based assay designed for forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), the ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit minimizes privacy concerns by excluding medically informative and minor allele frequency SNPs found in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) or array-based workflows. Robust PCR and primer designs allow for a single SNP multiplex that works across global populations. read more
Coercive Collection of DNA is Damaging to Future Genomic R&D
January 25, 2021
The potential of genetics is perhaps unprecedented, but members of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) warn in a new article that the technology may never get that far if we don’t take action now against the compulsory collection of DNA performed by multiple countries, including the United States. read more
DDP Helps ID Two Victims 44 Years Later
January 25, 2021
The sheriff’s office has used numerous resources in attempts to identify the victims, including working with Matt McDaniel, a Clemson resident interested in the case, who suggested reaching out to DNA Doe Project in 2019. read more
U.S. Embassy Belize, Government Host Forum on Strengthening Medicolegal Death Investigation System
January 25, 2021
The participants discussed the benefits of transitioning from Belize’s current coroner system to an established medical examiner system that would include board certification for Forensic Practitioners as well as better opportunities for continued training in Forensic Medicine and Forensic Pathology. read more
OSAC's Firearms & Toolmarks Subcommittee Develops Firearms Process Map
January 25, 2021
The Firearms Process Map, which captures the ‘as-is’ state of firearms examination, provides details about the procedures, methods and decision points most frequently encountered in firearms examination. read more
New Probes See Rare Quadruple-helix DNA in Living Human Cells
January 25, 2021
The probes reveal how G-quadruplexes are "unwound" by certain proteins, and can also help identify molecules that bind to G-quadruplexes. read more
Idaho Sees Decrease in Rape Kit Submissions
January 22, 2021
Fewer sexual assault evidence kits were submitted to the state for testing last year, according to an annual report from the Idaho State Police. read more
Police Reopen 1989 Missing Person's Case After Vehicle With Human Remains Found Submerged
January 22, 2021
The White Plains Police Department has reopened a missing person’s case that was first reported in late 1989, based on a recent discovery by DEP Police of a vehicle submerged in an upstate reservoir, matching the description of a vehicle relevant to the case. read more
Parabon, Fort Myers Police Solve 1984 Cold Case Homicide
January 22, 2021
On June 26, 1984, the Fort Myers Police Department responded to a call of shots being fired in the area of Palm Ave and Lincoln Blvd. Upon arrival, officers located Claretha Gibbs, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. read more
NYC Paid NBA Star Millions After Assault by Officer, Who Received No Punishment
January 22, 2021
Sefolosha sued, and the city paid its largest settlement for alleged police brutality in years: $4.5 million. But, the city insisted during the case that the officers were blameless, and they ended up facing no significant punishment. read more
Pervis Payne Still on Death Row Despite Unknown Male DNA on Murder Weapon
January 22, 2021
A crime lab in California has found unknown male DNA on the knife Pervis Payne is accused of using to murder Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter, and non-fatally stab her 4-year-old son. read more
Encryption Battle Rages on as the ACLU Sues FBI
January 20, 2021
After a partially unanswered Freedom of Information Act request, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the FBI to learn more about the federal agency’s Electronic Device Analysis Unit. read more
Othram and Partners ID Pecos Jane Doe More Than 50 Years Later
January 20, 2021
In 1966, a young woman drowned in the Ropers Motel pool in Pecos, Texas and more than 50 years later she has been identified as Jolaine Hemmy. read more
UK's Forensic Science Regulator Calls for Change in Final Report
January 20, 2021
The Forensic Science Regulator has warned that parts of the sector remain in a precarious position and there is an urgent need for fundamental change. read more
Second NIST Study Focuses on Cannabis Plant Material
January 20, 2021
This new study will be more challenging for labs because it involves plant material rather than oils. Plant-based measurements are more difficult because the compounds are bound up in plant fibers. read more
Restricting Malt Liquor Sales is Linked to Reductions in Neighborhood Crime
January 20, 2021
Researchers compared three designated areas where malt liquor sales were restricted, in parts of Spokane and Tacoma, with comparable neighborhoods that did not implement the same alcohol-related policies. read more
'No One Took Us Seriously': Black Cops Warned About Racist Capitol Police Officers for Years
January 19, 2021
Allegations of racism against the Capitol Police are nothing new: Over 250 Black cops have sued the department since 2001. Some of those former officers now say it’s no surprise white nationalists were able to storm the building. read more
Biden Taps Geneticist To Be Part of His Cabinet for First Time Ever
January 19, 2021
Eric Lander has been named Presidential Science Advisor, a position he will assume soon after Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. Biden intends to elevate the Presidential Science Advisor, for the first time in history, to be a member of his Cabinet. read more
Police to Use New DNA Tech on Cold Case That Inspired AMBER Alerts
January 19, 2021
Amber Hagerman’s murderer is still at large, but the Arlington Police Department (Texas) announced last week, on the 25th anniversary of her kidnapping, that they intend to submit multiple pieces of evidence for testing in hopes that new technologies can produce a DNA profile. read more
Othram, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Seek to ID Man in 40-Year-Old Cold Case
January 19, 2021
A young man made a tragic discovery while fly-fishing on the Stillaguamish River in July 1980. The body of an unidentified man, known as "Stilly Doe," was found caught on a logjam in the river. read more