Did You Know?

April 25 is National DNA Day!

National DNA Day commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This annual celebration offers students, teachers and the public many exciting opportunities to learn about the latest advances in genomic research and explore what they may mean for their lives.

April 29 is DNA Day in Canada! 
Let's Talk DNA is unique day where students, teachers and the public can learn more about genetics and genomics from Canadian experts. 

Come see us at:

American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD)

May 4-8, 2014

Scottsdale, AZ

Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists Annual Meeting (MAAFS)

May 19-23, 2014

State College, PA

Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA)

Ohio wants to make the most of DNA evidence

A proposal in the legislature will formally require police to submit kits for testing within a year to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation or another crime lab. How will this affect police and labs?

Arkansas legislators urged to expand DNA collection law

Senator Keith Ingram, an advocate for expanded DNA collection for all felony arrests, plans to sponsor legislation in the 2015 session to expand the DNA collection to arrests for non-violent felonies including burglary and drug possession.

Memphis making progress, updating public on testing of 12,000 backlogged rape kits

State legislature declined to provide $2 million for rape-kit testing in Tennessee, a decision that has drawn criticism from rape victim advocates. This is despite progress Memphis is making in testing its backlog of 12,000 rape kits, including the filing of 14 indictments against sexual-assault suspects, and the additional work that is needed.

Boston DA seeks new test on rape suspect with identical twin

A man charged with brutally raping two women in 2004 is facing what should be slam-dunk DNA evidence, except that the DNA also matches the suspect's identical twin brother.

Wisconsin signs bill scaling back when police can seize DNA samples

Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill scaling back when police can seize DNA samples under a law to take effect next year.

California attorney general honored for rape kit processing

The state attorney general's office is receiving national recognition for accelerating the testing of rape kits, using innovations that have been adopted by eight of California's 58 counties.

The new Indian River County Sheriff's Office forensic sciences complex is the newest weapon in local law enforcement's arsenal to catch and prosecute criminals.

Building a Strong Lab Culture - Lab Manager Magazine

The responsibilities of a lab manager are to lead and manage the lab in the midst of team dynamics.

In a weak lab culture, team members have low productivity, are confused about their assignments, complain about other team members, and show a lack of involvement.

Negotiating skills can make the difference between disappointment and great joy in dealing with others to get what you need....and what you want.

14 Essential Elements for a Successful Health and Safety Program - ALN Magazine

This is a recipe for success for developing a solid, comprehensive approach to protecting your employees from potential hazards in the workplace. These 14 elements represent a consensus of opinions of health and safety professionals from research conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC).