ForensicsForensic research using DNA sequencing technology
The Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) Sequencer translates chemical sequencing information directly into digital form by using semiconductor technology; it enables the analysis of ninety-six samples in one run, allowing forensic practitioners to obtain more information from the samples they process; the sequencer is suitable for a wide array of forensic identification applications, including missing persons identifications, mass disaster work, interpretations of complex mixtures, and bio-defense
Life Technologies Corporation the other day announced a collaboration with the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Institute of Applied Genetics utilizing the company’s Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) system to further their research, development, and implementation of technologies in forensic DNA analyses.
The company says that the Ion PGM Sequencer does not rely on light for sequencing, but rather translates chemical sequencing information directly into digital form by using semiconductor technology. The result — sequencing which is simpler, faster, and cost effective.
“These are exciting times,” said Dr. Bruce Budowle, executive director, Institute of Applied Genetics at the UNT Health Science Center. “With the introduction of Life Technologies’ Ion PGM Sequencer, application-oriented laboratories now have the sequencing power that has been the domain of large genome centers.” Added Budowle, “Massively parallel sequencing using an IonPGM Sequencer holds promise of advancing analyses to address forensic questions previously not believed feasible.”
The company says that both Drs. Budowle and Arthur Eisenberg, professor and chairman, Department of Forensic and Investigative Genetics at the UNT Health Science Center, will evaluate the use of the Ion PGM Sequencer for its utility and develop protocols on the system for a wide array of forensic identification applications, including missing persons identifications, mass disaster work, interpretations of complex mixtures, and bio-defense. The Ion PGM Sequencer enables the analysis of ninety-six samples in one run and has a potential in enabling forensic practitioners to obtain more information from the samples they currently process.
Training forensic analysts on the application of next generation sequencing will be an important part of the collaboration. “The Ion PGM Sequencer could represent the next evolutionary stage in the field of Human Identification and Forensic Genetics,” said Eisenberg. “Exposing established and new forensic scientists to the latest technology enables them to begin thinking about the potential of how this new technology can be applied to the important work they do every day. The Life Technologies Institute for Forensic Genetics, located at the UNTHSC at Ft. Worth, provides us the opportunity to begin to train scientists on how to utilize the latest technologies in real cases,” added Eisenberg.
The company says it believes this new technology provides new capabilities to law enforcement agencies that will enable them to obtain more information from forensic samples.
“This collaboration enables our customers to access methods developed by the most experienced forensic experts in the world,” said John Gerace, head of Applied Sciences for Life Technologies. “Life Technologies understands the needs of forensic customers throughout the world better than any other company and as a result, we deliver the world’s best solutions. This is why we’re so proud to be able to offer Drs. Budowle and Eisenberg the latest technology that will one day potentially revolutionize how forensics is performed in labs around the world.”
For more information, visit the company’s human identification page.
