Building the Framework: Strategic Planning for Investigative Genetic Genealogy Teams
Written by Cairenn Binder, Assistant Director, IGG Center and the Director of the IGG Certificate Program. Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. The field of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is experiencing a period of rapid growth and development, with some public laboratories and law enforcement agencies choosing to bring IGG work in-house in order […]
Extracting Human DNA from Maggots? Forensic Entomology Offers A New Forensic Tool
At ISHI 35, Cesar Cantu, forensic scientist and researcher, shared his work in forensic entomology—using maggots as an alternative source of human DNA when traditional samples are unavailable or degraded. His research explores how maggots feeding on human remains can store DNA in specialized digestive organs, offering forensic analysts another option for obtaining genetic profiles. […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! Serial Killer Suspect Dies 1 Day after Third Victim Identification (Forensic – 7/21/2025) One […]
The Agenda is Live: General Sessions Built for Real-World Forensic DNA Casework
Your case isn’t theoretical. Your sessions shouldn’t be either. The full ISHI 36 General Session agenda is now available—and if you’re a working DNA analyst, this is where your next breakthrough starts. This year’s lineup doesn’t just check boxes. It tackles the pressure points you’re navigating every day: Cold cases that won’t close Protocols that […]
Rethinking Sexual Assault Evidence: Moving Beyond Conventional Serology Testing
What if forensic science could improve sexual assault investigations while making the process less invasive for survivors? At ISHI 35, Brittney Svoboda, a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, shared research that is reshaping how forensic DNA analysts could approach sexual assault cases. By analyzing 425 real-world cases, her team found […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! Union City Police Department Teams with Othram to Identify a 2009 Baby Doe (DNASolves […]
DNA Identification of Unknown World War II Remains from the Tokyo Prison Fire
Interview written by Nickolas Walker, MSFS (AFMES-AFDIL, SNA International) and Chelsea Timmerman, MSFS (AFMES-AFDIL, Amentum). Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. Beginning in February of 1945, a series of incendiary air raids were performed on major Japanese cities by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) in attempt to force an early surrender in World […]
Funding Justice: How Season of Justice is Helping Solve Cold Cases with Advanced DNA Testing
What happens when investigators know DNA testing could solve a case—but the budget won’t allow it? That’s where Season of Justice steps in. At ISHI 35, Kendall Mills, Executive Director of Season of Justice, shared how this nonprofit is bridging the funding gap for cold case DNA testing. With 218 cases funded since 2020, they’re […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! Opinion: Who’s Afraid of Madeleine McCann? (Forensic – 6/30/2025) Maddie McCann disappeared on May […]