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In the News: International
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About Us
 
STACS DNA delivers the only sample management software designed specifically for forensic DNA labs. Since 2000, we've helped DNA database and casework labs increase capacity, prevent errors, cut costs, improve data quality and meet accreditation standards, without hiring additional staff.
 
Why are we called STACS DNA? "Sample Tracking and Control Systems" for DNA - What we do is in our name!

December 2014

Happy Holidays from STACS DNA! 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year! 

From all of us at STACS DNA, we wish you, your colleagues and your families much joy this holiday season. 

May your days be merry and bright.

 

  

Did You Know?

New laws are being passed in some states that require the submission of rape kits to labs within a specified number of days. The result is a growing backlog that may delay justice by months or longer. STACS-CW Enterprise was designed to tackle just such a challenge. 

We can show you how your lab can reduce or even eliminate backlogs without hiring, without replacing your LIMS, and without a hit to your budget.

  

What's New?

STACS DNA is booking lab ROI consultations starting in January. We've helped many forensic DNA labs get an incredible return on investment (ROI) from automating. Talk to us about your lab's requirements and options for maximizing productivity. To book, click here.

  

Events

Plan to see us at:

Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS)

February 7-11, 2015

Washington, DC

 

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

February 16-21, 2015

Orlando, FL

 

In the News: North America 

FBI DNA quality assurance standards now include Rapid DNA analysis

Rapid DNA analysis is used to generate DNA profiles in less than two hours, for use in local and regional law enforcement to potentially fight violent crime with speedy results.

 

Arrestee DNA declared unconstitutional under California's constitution

California's court of appeal rejects the "identification" argument.

 

DNA test that distinguishes identical twins may be used in court for first time

A team in Germany has developed a test that claims to reliably identify which twin a biological sample belongs to.

 

WI DOJ says no rape evidence testing without consent

New guidelines recommend police send kits when charges filed or victims agree to cooperate.

 

Generating DNA profiles from "touch DNA" in fingerprints

A new method increases the success rate of DNA profile generation from fingermarks/fingerprints. How will this improve forensic analysis?
 

San Francisco Police finally clear sexual assault kit backlog

With its own crime lab operating at rapid speed and the help of two independent forensic, SFPD cleared the backlog earlier than expected.

 

More than 5,600 rape kits were DNA tested in Ohio

Attorney General Mike DeWine's office says officials have received more than 9,000 previously untested rape kits from 147 law enforcement agencies. The testing has led to more than 2,000 DNA matches in a criminal database.

 

MD high court requires additional DNA testing for admissibility

Maryland's highest court has ruled that criminal defendants can't present evidence of DNA matches to other suspects at trial unless additional testing has confirmed the results.

 

NJ bill to expand access to DNA testing and exonerate the wrongfully convicted

Legislation to help clear the wrongfully convicted by allowing anyone convicted of a crime to request DNA testing was released Dec. 15.

 

New way to analyze DNA evidence under development

Rutgers University-Camden computer scientist is focused on finding a way to more accurately analyze DNA evidence at a crime scene

 

Governor announces 88 percent increase in DNA matches due to expansion of Katie's Law in New Mexico

Since New Mexico expanded Katie's Law in 2011, the DNA Identification System has connected DNA from 463 arrestees to 478 cases.

 

Judges chip away at NC crime lab backlog

Judges and court officials are making administrative changes to the way some cases are handled on the bet that cumulatively they will help speed up test results.

 

Wisconsin agency preps for big jump in DNA testing

The state Department of Justice has hired nearly twenty more workers and begun a pricey renovation of its Madison crime lab so that it will be able to handle tens of thousands of additional DNA samples when new collection requirements take effect next year.

 

Death row exoneree speaks on importance of DNA testing

Kirk Bloodsworth became an advocate for DNA testing and abolishing the death penalty after he spent more than eight years in jail for a crime he didn't commit.

 

In the News: International

Crime scene DNA to be checked against database including 'kinship matching'

Australia police are set to start using the DNA of family members to link criminals to their crimes.

 

DNA scientist James Watson given back his Nobel Prize by the buyer

Russia's richest man has revealed that he bought US scientist James Watson's Nobel Prize gold medal, and intends to return it to him.

 

Articles of Interest

Automating your lab - Lab Manager Magazine

The concept of lab automation sounds almost magical, as if a sophisticated machine here or there makes a lab run by itself. Indeed, automation can improve the efficiency of a lab and more, but figuring out the best "here" or "there" creates the challenge.

 

Use improv to improve your business skills - Lab Manager Magazine

Five of the rules of improv and how following those rules can help you as a leader.