Tag Archives: investigations

Affordable Forensic Tool Revolutionizes Cold Case Investigations Despite High Costs

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When a homicide detective in California’s Central Valley resumed her investigation into the unsolved murder of a bakery owner last year, she utilized an increasingly popular forensic tool that has been instrumental in solving numerous cases across the nation. Recently, infections have spread across the United States and Canada, drawing attention to public health concerns.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ashley Sanchez expressed confidence in having pivotal evidence that could lead to identifying those responsible for the tragic 2010 death of 49-year-old Juanita Francisco. However, securing funding for the essential genetic genealogy research proved to be a significant challenge, Sanchez noted.

After all, the finances for such efforts do not stem from local taxpayers or government subsidies; crowdsourcing fundraising initiatives became the solution.

Juanita’s Bakery in Bakersfield, California
Kern County Sheriff’s Office

This unique funding model highlights the challenging economic reality for many seeking to leverage the method, which gained traction following the apprehension of the “Golden State Killer” eight years ago and has resolved over 1,600 cases across the United States and Canada. According to a report updated earlier this year, compiled by a criminology professor at Douglas University in Canada.

Authorities looking into the potential kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie are also considering this methodology, which integrates traditional genealogy with cutting-edge DNA analysis, as a means to address unsolved crimes and unidentified remains.

An FBI billboard in California displays a missing person alert for Nancy Guthrie, mother of “TODAY” host Savannah Guthrie.
via NBC Los Angeles

David Gurney, director of the Center for Investigative Genetic Genealogy at Ramapo University in New Jersey, highlighted that some government funding does exist, but the financial aid provided by states and federal authorities “barely scratches the surface.”

This underscores the reliance on crowdfunding as a feasible solution. Canadian criminology expert Tracy Dowswell estimates that approximately 120 of the 1,600 cases cataloged involved crowdfunding, but suggests this figure may be an underestimate, as many cases can receive funding from multiple sources, primarily those involving unidentified bodies.

Numerous additional cases are showcased on platforms like DNA Doe Project, Moxy Forensic Investigation, and DNA Solves — where Francisco’s fundraising initiatives are prominently featured. This crowdfunding strategy has seen success, although some cases remain unresolved, and others await funding.

“It’s remarkable to see how willing the public is to contribute to these cases,” remarked Gurney. “Nonetheless, this model is not sustainable for the criminal justice system.”

David Mittelman, CEO of Osram, the Texas-based DNA lab collaborating with DNASolves, noted that the site serves as a repository for many of their cases. “It’s nearly impossible to investigate—not due to a lack of evidence or interest, but rather the absence of a funding channel,” he stated.

Gurney emphasized that the need for crowdfunding illustrates the lack of recognition for genetic genealogy as a tool for solving America’s cold cases. Federal data indicates that this technique could potentially unravel hundreds of thousands of unsolved violent crimes and tens of thousands of unidentified remains cases.

“Without increased funding, expanding this effort to tackle the backlog of cold cases will remain challenging,” Dowdeswell stated.

Just a Handful of Labs

Genetic genealogy relies on several critical components. Researchers require a DNA sample and profile of the person they aim to identify. This profile needs to be uploaded to GEDMatch or FamilyTreeDNA, consumer DNA databases accessible for law enforcement purposes. The acquired profile can then be used to construct a family tree and trace the origins of unidentified DNA.

However, acquiring a quality profile can be challenging, as DNA samples often tend to be old and degraded, noted Kendall Mills from Season of Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to funding advanced DNA analysis for law enforcement agencies lacking the necessary resources.

Only a select few private labs in the United States, such as Osram, possess the capability to undertake the work required to develop these profiles, Mills added.

“Private labs typically utilize more advanced and sensitive technologies,” she explains. “They also have the capacity to conduct extensive research and development that public labs funded by taxpayer dollars often lack, but this expertise comes with a hefty price tag.”

Gurney mentioned that accessing consumer DNA databases comes with a price starting at $1,000 or higher.

He added that some state and federal agencies have initiated work on the labor-intensive genealogical research that will follow, yet much of this work relies on support from a diverse array of nonprofit organizations, private companies, and at least one academic institution (Ramapo).

Organizations like Ramapo and the DNA Doe Project, a groundbreaking nonprofit that has collaborated with law enforcement and coroners to solve over 150 cases using genetic genealogy, rely on networks of volunteers to contribute some or all of their genealogical work pro bono. Some companies, such as Othram, provide in-house services for a fee.

Mittelman pointed out that only a small number of Osram’s genealogy projects utilize crowdfunding; the company usually depends on a mix of state and federal grants, philanthropic donations, and nonprofit funding. Currently, DNASolves features dozens of cases from across the country that have successfully generated crowdfunding, with a few more aiming for a funding goal of $7,500 that remains unmet. Dowswell noted that he has documented 40 cases resolved through the site.

Mittelman shared that DNASolves was initially created to showcase case results, but as law enforcement agencies faced budget constraints for forensic work on high-interest cases, the company launched a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Gurney noted that the Ramapo center does not require crowdfunding, as its operations are financed through an educational component (the center offers certificates in genetic genealogy) and donor contributions.

In contrast, crowdfunding is vital for the DNA Doe Project, according to its communications director, Matthew Waterfield.

Waterfield believes that the primary hurdle to advancing genetic genealogy is the escalating costs associated with research and upload fees tied to the DNA databases essential for researchers.

Evelyn “Dottie” Leeds.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

Waterfield recounted a case concerning an unidentified elderly woman discovered in a shallow grave in Arizona, which needed nearly $5,000 in funding to cover lab and database access fees. Raising the necessary funds took months. Through the “Doe-Nate” site, he added that with a DNA profile upload, a network of volunteer genealogists could solve a case in as little as eight hours.

“I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, but it’s not,” Waterfield noted. “There have been many instances where significant time was spent raising funds, but once secured, our volunteers have solved cases in mere hours, days, or weeks, bringing closure to families for the first time in decades.”

If more funding were accessible, Waterfield emphasized, “we would witness countless cases being resolved right now.”

Claim Federal Funding

To combat the financial challenges in this sector, Osram is advocating for the Carla Walker Act, a federal law proposing $10 million annually in grants to law enforcement agencies unable to perform genetic genealogy research internally. It also aims to cover equipment enhancements for public crime labs to begin conducting forensic investigations independently.

“Neither one company nor ten can resolve the multitude of cases,” Mittelman stated. “What’s essential is the collaboration of hundreds of labs utilizing the latest technologies.”

Waterfield confirmed that the DNA Doe Project backs the legislation, which enjoys bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. He believes the provisions in this funding legislation could help reduce research costs by giving law enforcement agencies a variety of options for genetic genealogy researchers.

Detective Sanchez, who has found herself raising funds for cold case investigations, stated this was something she never expected to do. She participated in a comprehensive video about the case released by her department in November and gave an interview on a true crime show’s livestream in December.

The fundraising campaign for Juanita Francisco’s case was launched on November 21st and reached its funding goal by early January.

Sanchez expressed relief, stating that she can now refocus on her investigation and is hopeful that new leads will help identify Francisco’s killer.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

FCC Chairman calls for investigations into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices

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The Federal Communications Commission chair said Friday that he has launched an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion program in his latest attempt under the Trump administration to stop such efforts.

In a letter to Disney’s CEO Robert Iger, chairman Brendan Kerr said the company’s program to increase job diversity and promote racial-based affinity groups appears to violate equal employment opportunities regulations.

“Disney wants to ensure that virtually all discriminatory initiatives will be completed, not just the name,” Kerr said in a letter sent Thursday. “In another case, Disney’s actions – whether they’re ongoing or recently terminated, we want to determine whether they’re always in compliance with applicable FCC rules.”

A Disney spokesman said the company is reviewing the FCC letter. “We look forward to being involved with the committee to answer that question.”

Veteran Republican regulator Kerr began his tenure as FCC chair in January by launching a drastic campaign to scrutinize the media, sought to eradicate left-leaning bias and policy allegations that were corned by the president.

Last month he began a similar diversity and inclusion investigation into Comcast, the parent company of NBCuniversal. Kerr also said the agency’s merger reviews will include a survey of the company’s DEI program.

The investigation continues Presidential Order Trump was banned from “illegal and immoral” DEI programs in the federal government on his first day. A day later, Kerr announced that he would be closing his promotion of diversity and equity in the FCC’s strategic planning, budget and economic reporting.

It is unclear whether the FCC, which normally serves as a cable television watchdog, distributing licenses to broadcast television and radio stations, has the power to punish media companies for its diversity initiative. Kerr argues that a wide range of “public interest” standards can be applied to scrutiny companies such as Disney, which owns ABC and ESPN, and Disney, such as television stations around the country.

FCC experts said Kerr’s investigation could be challenged in court.

“It’s about bullying and threats,” said Andrew Schwartzman, a senior advisor to the Benton Institute for Broadband Society. Kerr’s most powerful tool is his vote on the committee to approve mergers and acquisitions, he said.

Trump nominated Kerr has launched an investigation since he chaired several news outlets, including PBS and NPR, accused him of left-leaning political bias. He investigated an interview that CBS’s “60 minutes” was conducted with former vice president Kamala Harris and released an investigation by San Francisco radio station KCBS regarding reports of immigration enforcement measures.

Kerr publicly agreed to the administration’s promise to cut regulations significantly, chase big technology, and punish television networks for political bias. Kerr is restructuring independent bodies, expanding its duties and using it as a political weapon of rights, Telecommunications lawyers and analysts said.

Brooks Burns Contributed with a report from Los Angeles.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Increasing Risks to EPA Investigations of Severe Contamination

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Refineries in New Mexico are blaming the federal government for severe air pollution issues.

A chemical plant in Louisiana is under investigation for gas leaks from storage tanks.

An Idaho rancher is accused of polluting wetlands.

Under President Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency took a strong stance on environmental enforcement against pollution and waste violations. On the other hand, the Trump administration aims to shift the EPA’s focus from environmental protection to reducing costs related to transportation, heating, and business operations. The stability of long-term research initiatives is now uncertain due to recent EPA policy changes.

A memo from March 12 states that EPA enforcement actions will not intervene in energy production unless there is an immediate health risk. The memo also undermines President Biden’s efforts to address pollution disparities affecting low-income communities. It emphasizes that no consideration should be given to the affected individuals’ minority or economic status.

EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, believes these changes enable agents to focus on their core mission and contribute to a successful American resurgence.

David Ullman, who oversaw enforcement at the EPA during the Biden administration, criticized the recent memo for absolving corporations, especially in the oil and gas industry, of responsibility for breaking the law.

He expressed concern that these changes harm communities across the United States.

EPA spokesperson, Molly Vaseliou, refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations. The Justice Department, facing internal issues and budget cuts, also chose not to comment.

Conservatives argue that EPA regulations hinder economic growth and investment, while supporters believe that deregulation efforts will boost American energy and reduce costs for families.

Despite ongoing enforcement cases initiated by the Biden administration, the direction of the EPA’s objectives is shifting under the Trump administration, including the removal of key environmental regulations.

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Source: www.nytimes.com

Sexually Transmitted Microorganisms in Forensic Investigations: A Potential Tool

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The male and female genitals provide a clear environment for microorganisms

Artur Plawgo/Getty Images

Sexual partners transfer their unique genital microbiota to one another during sexual intercourse. This can affect forensic investigations of sexual assault.

Brendan Chapman Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia and his colleagues collected swabs from the genitals of 12 monogamous heterosexual couples and used RNA gene sequences to identify microbial signatures for each participant. Researchers asked couples to refrain from sex for two days to two weeks, and took follow-up samples several hours after sex.

“We found that these genetic signatures from female bacteria can be detected in male partners and vice versa,” Chapman says. As the team infused it, this change in a person's “sexome” could prove useful in criminal investigations, he says.

The amount of transfers varies from couple to couple, and the team found that even the use of condoms completely prevented the movement of the Sensomem from one partner to another. However, one major limitation of the outcome was the significant changes in female sexsomes during the period.

Chapman says there may be long-term homogenization of the microbiota of monogamous couples, but the bacterial population clearly differs between genders.

“The big advantage we have in our penis and vaginal microbiota is that we observe very different types of bacteria in each because there are huge differences in the two environments,” says Chapman. “For example, the penis is primarily a skin-like surface and therefore reflects similarity to the skin microbiota. There are a variety of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, and the aerobic type in the penis. .”

So many of these bacteria cannot last indefinitely in the opposite environment, he says. “It's like comparing land to sea animals. Some live exclusively in one or the other and die if removed, but they willingly move and last.”

After establishing bacterial movement during sex, the team wants to prove that individual sexsomes are unique, like fingerprints and DNA. “I think every person's Sensomem contains enough diversity and uniqueness, but there's still something to do to demonstrate it with robust enough techniques to meet the forensic challenges. There is,” says Chapman.

If researchers can prove this, it can help investigate sexual assaults, particularly those in which male suspects do not ejaculate, have had vascular resections, or use condoms. “The genetic profile of a bacterial may be able to support or oppose propositions or testimony about what happened in the allegations of sexual assault,” he says. Dennis McNevin At Sydney Institute of Technology, Australia.

In such cases, the standard profile of human DNA is always preferred due to the great power of distinguishing individuals, he says, but sexomes may offer useful alternatives. “Bacterial genetic profiles may one day complement DNA evidence, or may help refer to the perpetrator of a rare sexual assault where DNA profiles are not available,” McNevin says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ongoing investigations to determine the reasons behind the rise of colorectal cancer in young individuals.

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Number of people under 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been increasing for 30 years

Mohammed Elamin Aliwi/Alamy

One of the most alarming trends regarding cancer is the increasing incidence of several types of tumors in people under the age of 50, especially colorectal cancer.

A £20m, five-year research project aimed at discovering the causes of the rising number of bowel cancers has been given the green light. The study will use blood, urine and stool samples from millions of people held in about 17 biobanks in Europe, North America and India.

The goal is to determine whether this increase is related to changes in food, drink, medicines, air pollutants, and other environmental chemicals by measuring everything people are exposed to (known as the “exposome”). It’s about understanding what’s going on.

“Exposomes are all the elements of the outside world that influence our health,” he says. Andrew Chan co-leader of the project at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston;

The number of people under the age of 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been increasing for 30 years. In the UK, for example, these tumors have increased by about 50 per cent in people aged 25 to 49 over this period, and similar trends are seen in the US, Canada, Australia and some European countries.

Nine out of 10 tumors occur in older people, so the increase in deaths among people under age 50 has not yet had a significant impact on the total number of cancer deaths. But this trend is worrying to doctors, especially since tumors in younger people tend to be more aggressive and diagnosed at a later stage.

Speculation abounds as to the cause, but various aspects of modern diets, including increased consumption of processed foods and red meat, and a lack of fiber, as well as antibiotic use and exposure to pollutants, are likely to be contributing factors. It is believed that this is the main cause.

In a new research projectChan and his team have attempted to identify and measure all the chemicals in medical samples obtained in previous studies, and plan to investigate further.

They will use mass spectrometry to identify the chemical signatures that disrupted the levels of novel compounds and natural biochemicals that entered the body.

One of the biobanks being used is Nurses’ Health Study 3, a large-scale project in the United States that charts the health and lifestyles of hundreds of thousands of nurses. Some participants have provided not only blood samples but also stool samples, which will allow the team to analyze gut bacteria as well.

Another important cohort is the Danish Newborn Screening Biobank. The biobank contains dried blood spots from almost every baby born in Denmark since 1982, representing approximately 2 million samples. This will allow researchers to see whether what we are exposed to in the womb is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

If, as expected, a correlation is found between certain biochemicals in the blood and the risk of colon cancer, the researchers will investigate whether blood tests can identify people who are more vulnerable. says Mr. Chan. “That could be a group of people who would be targeted for more intensive colon cancer testing,” he says.

Another part of the project will test whether reversing blood characteristics associated with colorectal cancer reduces people’s risk of developing the tumor. Jordana Bell Professor at King’s College London and one of Chan’s collaborators. “We seek to apply the insights we generate early by identifying putative causal factors, understanding potential mechanisms, and designing intervention trials,” she says.

Ian Fawkes from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) said: “In the United States, recent data show that people born in the 1990s have a 2.4 times higher risk of colon cancer than people born in the 1950s. Most cancer cases occur in people over age 50. “This development is an important issue for us to address. The key is to understand why the rise in early-onset cancers is occurring in the first place.”

CRUK is funding the research along with Maryland’s National Cancer Institute, France’s National Cancer Institute and the UK’s Gut Babe Foundation.

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Source: www.newscientist.com