Forensics
The Lead
Providing Closure
April 5, 2013 10:25 am | by Robert Fee | Life Technologies Corporation | Articles | Comments
For 42 years, Muammar Gaddafi ran a ruthless regime in Libya. Although deposed in 2011, one of his sad legacies is a series of mass graves containing an estimated 20,000 human remains. But with this discovery comes a chance to solve decades-old missing person cases. Using forensic DNA identification technologies, scientists employed by the Libyan government will soon begin this process. But first they need the tools and the training.
Smartphones Become Handheld Biosensors
May 24, 2013 9:43 am | News | CommentsResearchers and physicians in the field could soon run on-the-spot tests for environmental toxins, medical diagnostics, food safety and more with their smartphones. Researchers have developed a cradle and app for the iPhone that uses the phone’s built-in camera and processing power as a biosensor to detect toxins, proteins, bacteria, viruses and other molecules.
Researcher Invents 'DNA Bardcode'
May 1, 2013 9:13 am | News | CommentsDNA evidence is invisible and remarkably easy to transfer, making it possible for a sample to be spilled or even planted on a piece of evidence. A researcher has developed a solution that permanently marks DNA samples to prevent contamination.
Forensic Assay Approved for NDIS
February 5, 2013 2:25 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Promega PowerPlex Y23 System is now approved for use in laboratories that generate DNA records for the National DNA Index System (NDIS). The PowerPlex Y23 System is a rapid human identification Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) assay for forensic casework, offender databasing, and relationship testing.
Aztec Conquest Altered Genetics among Early Mexico Inhabitants, New DNA Study Shows
January 31, 2013 11:25 am | News | CommentsFor centuries, the fate of the original Otomí inhabitants of Xaltocan, the capital of a pre-Aztec Mexican city-state, has remained unknown. Researchers have long wondered whether they assimilated with the Aztecs or abandoned the town altogether. According to new anthropological research, the answers may lie in DNA.
Scientists seek to solve mystery of Piltdown Man
December 14, 2012 2:02 pm | by JILL LAWLESS - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsIt was an archaeological hoax that fooled scientists for decades. A century on, researchers are determined to find out who was responsible for Piltdown Man, the missing link that never was. Speculation about who did it rages to this day. Now scientists are marking the anniversary with a new push to settle the argument for good.
Faster and More Efficient Forensics
July 12, 2011 11:44 am | by Mike May | Articles | CommentsIncreasing pressure requires labs to find ways to do more with less—analyze more DNA and do so faster and at less expense. To reach those goals, forensics labs need new tools that help them collect more samples, analyze them at higher throughout, and also churn out more accurate results.
Top Trends in Life Science: Biocompatibility
June 10, 2010 8:40 am | Articles | CommentsOne of the overarching trends for Life Sciences has been the need for biocompatible materials and processes. For analytical and diagnostic systems, the word biocompatibility refers to the interaction between any component in the system and the biological sample
Top Trends in Life Science: Miniaturization
June 10, 2010 7:44 am | Articles | CommentsThe trend to miniaturized sample analysis has been developing slowly for the past 20 years or so. Lab on a chip has been the Holy Grail for Life Sciences for many years and is just now reaching its stride as a major tool for improving sample throughput and achieving the acceleration of research results in genetic testing, drug testing, diagnostics etc
