A Ghanaian Perspective: Transformative Strategies for Forensic Science Communication

Today’s guest blog is written by Yahaya Sumara Sulley, Snr. Research Assistant, Department of Forensic Sciences, University for Development Studies. Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. I wish to discuss the global importance and challenges of science communication in the context of forensic science. Despite facing challenges with funding and visa acquisition, I was […]

Under the Microscope 2024 – Ray Wickenheiser

On November 21, 2023, the National Technology Validation Collaborative Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Collaborative (NTVIC) Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Policy and Procedure Committee published Guidelines for establishing FIGG programs in the Forensic Science International: Synergy journal [1]. This version was the second publication of FIGG draft policies and procedures, following feedback and revisions prompted […]

Previewing the Posters of our ISHI Student Ambassadors: Ashley Welk

Mitochondrial DNA analysis is an alternative to conventional STR typing for challenging samples because of its characteristic high copy number. Traditionally, Sanger-based sequencing methods have been used for whole mitochondrial genome sequencing, but labor-intensive workflows and limited multiplexing ability present significant limitations. The evolution of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) provides a method for higher sample […]

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! 10 Million Names Project Working with Local Genealogists to Uncover Names of Enslaved Americans […]

Enhancing Forensic Accuracy: Comparative Evaluation of Genotyping Technologies in FIGG

Today’s guest blog is written by Mike Cariola, CEO, Bode Technology and Abigail S. Bathrick, Senior Research Scientist, Bode Technology Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. What is FIGG? Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) pairs advanced genotyping technologies with traditional genealogical research methods to provide investigative leads for unknown DNA evidence when CODIS searching is […]

Under the Microscope 2024 – Anjali Ranadive

In September of 2020, Kendra Owen was murdered in her apartment in Watertown, SD. Her body would not be discovered for several days and when it would be noted that she had been decapitated.   Jeremiah Peacemaker was arrested and charged with her murder. He remained in jail for 3 ½ years awaiting trial. That […]

You Leave a ‘Microbe Fingerprint’ on Every Piece of Clothing You Wear – and it Could Help Forensic Scientists Solve Crimes

This post was written by guest authors Paola A. Magni, Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Murdoch University, Noemi Procopio, Senior Research Fellow, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, and Sarah Gino, Associate Professor, Università del Piemonte Orientale. Reprinted with permission from The Conversation. When you think of a criminal investigation, you might […]

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! Promega Kit Enables European Forensic Labs To Solve Challenging Cold Cases (Technology Networks – […]

Meet the ISHI Advisory Committee: Michelle Madrid

We are excited to spotlight Michelle Madrid, a distinguished member of the ISHI Advisory Committee and a Senior Criminalist at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. With over 18 years of experience in forensic biology, Michelle has been pivotal in shaping the practices and procedures that uphold the integrity of forensic science today.   Michelle […]