Short-Read vs Long-Read mtDNA Sequencing: Which Is Better for Forensic Casework?
A 2026 pedigree-based study comparing short- and long-read mitochondrial genome sequencing found no single winner: long reads improved coverage uniformity and NUMT discrimination, while short…
How Large Should a Forensic DNA Population Database Be? New 8,237-Person Study Tests the Numbers
A new study of 8,237 Argentines shows that forensic DNA database sample size depends on the question: combined statistics stabilize early, but rare alleles need…
Can Old Hospital Samples Accurately Identify Disaster Victims?
Archived biopsies, cytology slides, diagnostic swabs and blood samples may provide direct antemortem DNA references when personal items or close relatives are unavailable—but their use…
New 16-Marker DNA Panel Targets Minor Contributors in Imbalanced Forensic Mixtures
A new 16-plex DIP-SNP assay detected a minor DNA contributor at a 1:20 mixture ratio under optimized conditions, offering a potential supplement to conventional forensic…
Four New Forensic DNA Standards Added to the OSAC Registry in 2026
NIST’s OSAC Registry added four 2026 forensic DNA standards covering contamination control, STR analysis training, CODIS training, and DNA reporting and review.
The 2-Hour Window: Can a Kiss Explain Away DNA on a Cigarette Butt?
Mixtures are the "bread and butter"—and the primary headache—of the modern forensic analyst. The challenge in today’s high-sensitivity landscape isn’t just identifying the contributors; it’s…
The Fragile Math of Justice: 4 Surprising Truths About Forensic DNA
Television makes forensic DNA look infallible. In reality, PCR sits on a mathematical knife’s edge. This post unpacks four surprising truths—how tiny inefficiencies erase profiles,…
Forensic DNA Contamination Control: A Quality Assurance Guide
In the quiet, sterile hum of a forensic laboratory, a single microscopic skin cell can change the course of justice. We often call DNA the…
From Crime Scene to CODIS in 90 Minutes: The Science of Rapid DNA Technology
Rapid DNA technology offers a fully automated 'sample-in, profile-out' solution, generating forensic profiles in under two hours. We explore the science, the process from booking…
Forensic Weekly: IGG’s Big Wins & The New Science of DNA Age-Estimation
Week's Date: October 28, 2025 This week, the forensic world was buzzing with a powerful mix of past and future. Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) absolutely…
The Likelihood Ratio: Unveiling the Statistical Strength of Forensic Evidence
The Likelihood Ratio (LR) is pivotal in modern forensic statistics, providing a robust framework for evaluating evidence. This guide breaks down the science behind the…
Forensic Weekly: DNA Solves Decades-Old Cases as Global Tech Advances
This week, the world of forensics was dominated by stories of the past being brought into the present through the power of DNA. The relentless…
The Genomic Revolution: Why SNPs and FGG Are the Future of Forensic Science
New research argues that genomics is revolutionizing forensic science. SNP testing and FGG overcome STR limits, leveraging aDNA techniques to solve cold cases and deliver…
Washing Machine DNA: The Challenge of Extra Alleles in Forensic Interpretation
New forensic research quantifies the risks of DNA transfer and degradation in washing machines, finding that profiles from laundered clothes must be treated as complex,…
DNA Analysis Leads to Landmark Conviction of Identical Twin in 1987 Rape Cold Case
n a U.S. first, a rape cold case from 1987 was solved when Parabon Nanolabs used next-generation sequencing to identify a unique somatic mutation, leading…
How the Degradation Index and DNA’s ‘Story’ Can Improve Forensic Profiles
New research shows that while the DNA Degradation Index (DI) is a valuable tool for assessing degraded DNA, it's not the full story. This study…
Beyond the Femur: A New Consensus on the Best Bones for DNA Analysis
A new review challenges traditional bone sampling protocols, highlighting recent research that shows smaller, porous bones and the petrous bone are often superior sources of…
Unlocking Ancient Secrets: First Whole Genome of an Early Egyptian Sequenced
In a world first, researchers have sequenced the complete genome of an ancient Egyptian from 4,500 years ago, revealing insights into his ancestry from North…
mtDNA vs. Nuclear DNA: Why Size and Inheritance Matter in Forensics
Discover the key differences between mtDNA and nuclear DNA, and learn how forensic experts leverage these genetic tools to solve complex cases.
What is mtDNA and Why is it Important? A Forensic Deep Dive
In the fascinating world of forensic science, DNA is often the key piece of evidence. When most people think of DNA, they picture the familiar…
