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Forensic Science

Forensic genetics

Projects/Programs

Displaying 1 - 12 of 12

Decontamination of Biological Threats in Water Supplies

The outcome of the project was to provide the EPA with a technical resource document that could be used to guide emergency responders and for longer-term microbial decontamination of building water systems. This project was done in collaboration with the Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL)

Development of Rapid Multiplex PCR Techniques

Ongoing
With the continuing development of miniaturization technologies such as microfluidic and micro-capillary devices there is a desire to reduce the overall time required to type DNA samples. Such miniature devices could be used for initial screening at a crime scene, at a border, or at airports. There

Digital PCR

Ongoing
With appropriately validated assays, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) determines the number of DNA targets (copies) per reaction partition, without the need for a standard curve. Reaction partitions can be in the form of fixed chambers in a microfluidic device, referred to as chamber digital

DNA Biometrics

Ongoing
Our focus is on developing methods to decrease the time required to perform a DNA test and assisting with the evaluation of new prototype rapid DNA typing instrumentation. The use of rapid DNA testing as a biometric mode would impact the areas of immigration, airport and border security (Dept of

DNA Mixture Interpretation

Ongoing
Mixtures of DNA from more than one source are commonly seen in forensic evidentiary samples and are challenging to interpret. Over the past decade, our group at NIST has conducted several interlaboratory studies involving mixture interpretation with short tandem repeat (STR) markers in order to

DNA Profiling Standard Reference Materials

Ongoing
Intended impact This work was designed to provide materials that forensic laboratories being assessed under the FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standard can comply with as stated, "The laboratory shall check its DNA procedures annually or whenever substantial changes are made to the protocol(s) against an
Graphic of a head shadowed by another head in blue and the inner head has where the brain would be has gold points with gold lines connecting them and there is a blue and gold double helix representing DNA on the left bottom of a circle going around both heads.

DNA Technical Leader Survey

Ongoing
Please click here to start the survey The survey is now live and will close on June 17, 2022 (deadline has been extended). It is open to both U.S. and international agencies. It is to be completed by one person from each DNA laboratory – the Technical Leader (or equivalent). Frequently Asked
Graphic of a head shadowed by another head in blue and the inner head has where the brain would be has gold points with gold lines connecting them and there is a blue and gold double helix representing DNA on the left bottom of a circle going around both heads.

Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation

Completed
Forensic DNA interpretation is widely regarded as a critical tool in modern criminal investigations, often seen as the gold standard of forensic evidence due to its potential to help link individuals to crime scenes. The process begins with the collection and preservation of DNA samples—from blood
CE and sequencing results for STR D3S1358 an allele 15 example

Forensic Applications of Next Generation Sequencing

Ongoing
Forensic DNA profiles have historically been generated by Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), which results in length-based designations reported as the number of repeats at STR (short tandem repeat) markers. For example, the marker D3S1358 contains repeats of the four nucleotides “TCTA” or “TCTG”. When
A micromechanical bulk acoustic resonator that uses phononic crystal tethers to achieve a quality factor approaching the fundamental dissipation limit (fxQ can be as large as 1.2 x 1013 Hz)

Micro- and Nanoelectromechanical Systems

Completed
MEMS/NEMS are enabling technologies that bring new functionalities with the potential to radically transform markets ranging from consumer products to national defense. The meteoric rise of the smartphone is an excellent example, in which MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, microphones, displays, and
Photo of blood droplets

Toxicology

Ongoing
Development of Low-Volume Drop Blood Drug Screening Tools This project aims to leverage recent NIST advances in ambient ionization mass spectrometry to develop platforms for low-volume blood drug screening. Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) and Paper Spray Ionization Mass