Signature Science Achieves ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS)
Achievement builds on Company’s forensic science laboratory’s accreditation scope and expands its accredited offerings into the Forensic Genetic Genealogy space. AUSTIN, TEXAS – February 25, 2025 – Signature Science’s Advanced Genomics Laboratory has been issued accreditation by ANAB, the ANSI National Accreditation Board, to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality standard as a testing laboratory for Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) using Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS). A laboratory assessment conducted by ANAB revealed no instances of non-conformance. In addition, the laboratory was successfully assessed for conformance to FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic Testing Laboratories.Signature Science has optimized and validated methods for obtaining DNA profiles … MORE
Horizon Newsletter – February 2025
Laboratory Leadership at AAFS Documentary standards play a critical role in ensuring consistency, quality, and credibility in forensic science. Hosted in collaboration with Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, our Deep-Dive session at AAFS will explore the importance of standards development, how … MORE
Published in “FSI Genetics”: 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. … MORE
January 29, 2025 • A press release issued by LMI Group International, Inc. detailed the conclusion of multi-year, interdisciplinary investigation to authenticate a painting and attribute it to the artist, Vincent van Gogh. The investigation combined traditional authentication and innovative scientific methods. During … MORE
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 probative information. To address this issue, advanced genotyping methods can be explored to retrieve additional genetic information from these challenging samples to maximize investigative leads. Therefore, this study investigated the effectiveness of three advanced genotyping methods and assessed their suitability with compromised skeletal samples: 1) targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) … MORE
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 … MORE
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 … MORE
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 … MORE
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 … MORE
Contract reflects the continued expansion of the Texas-based forensic DNA laboratory’s participation in nationwide sexual assault kit backlog reduction efforts. AUSTIN, TEXAS – July 30, 2024– Signature Science, LLC has been awarded a one-year, $1.2 million contract from the city of … MORE
Signature Science Analysts Performed DNA Analysis and Provided Expert Witness Testimony. AUSTIN, TEXAS – May 28, 2024 – The Washington D.C. Superior Court has found a defendant guilty in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in October 2022, due … MORE