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 […]
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 […]
Strengthening Forensic Science: Training the Next Generation & Cold Case Innovations
How do we train forensic scientists to stay in the field—and what’s next for cold case investigations? At ISHI 35, Julie Sikorsky, Forensic Biology Manager at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, shared her insights on: 🔬 Fixing the forensic pipeline—how to recruit, train, and retain skilled forensic scientists 🧬 The evolution of cold case […]
Working with 80-Year-Old Bones: Forensic Challenges from the Spanish Civil War
What does it take to extract truth from the past—when all that remains are fragile bones buried for decades? In this interview, former ISHI Student Ambassador Ahana Chatterjee sits down with Dr. Maria Saiz Guinaldo, a forensic biologist and postdoc investigator at the University of Granada, to discuss her work identifying human remains from the […]