Forensic Research – PossibleThreat Articles

New portable DNA sequencer quickly and accurately diagnoses wheat viruses

October 22, 2019 0 Comments Biometric, Exotic Species, Food, Forensic Research, Geochemistry, Grassland, Microarrays, Microbes and More, Virology

A group of scientists have developed a new technology that makes it possible to rapidly identify viruses in wheat fields with a significantly higher accuracy. They collected four wheat samples from western Kansas and used a new harmonica-sized DNA sequencer and a computer program to quickly detect three different viruses in the samples. Furthermore, their results suggested that the samples contained a new virus strain.

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Secretive targets for CEO bonus pay signal poor performance

October 16, 2019 0 Comments Electricity, Energy Policy, Energy Technology, Engineering, Forensic Research, Petroleum, Solar Energy

Investors need to pay closer attention to the non-financial measures linked to CEO cash bonuses, because targets that are not disclosed, or undefined, in annual reports are associated with worse company performance down the track, new research reveals.

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Physics: DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy at speed

October 11, 2019 0 Comments Biochemistry, Biometric, Forensic Research, Microarrays, Nanotechnology, Optics, Organic Chemistry, technology

Recent advances in fluorescence microscopy allow researchers to study biological processes below the classical diffraction limit of light. Researchers have now developed DNA-PAINT, a variant of these so-called super-resolution approaches.

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The science Of Breaking Bad: Would you know if meth was cooked inside your house?

October 8, 2019 0 Comments Civil Engineering, Construction, Energy Technology, Engineering, Engineering and Construction, Forensic Research, Materials Science

Researchers analysed the contamination levels in household items from a home suspected to have previously been used for cooking methamphetamine, to determine whether surface wipe samples can adequately establish contamination and define the health risks. Results demonstrate methamphetamine has continued to mobilise after manufacture for a period exceeding five years when the property was under new ownership.

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Researchers unlock potential to use CRISPR to alter the microbiome

October 4, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, CRISPR Gene Editing, Dentistry, Forensic Research, Infectious Diseases, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, Thermodynamics

Researchers have developed a new way to deliver the DNA-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 into microorganisms in the lab, providing a way to efficiently launch a targeted attack on specific bacteria.

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Bird droppings defy expectations

September 24, 2019 0 Comments Biochemistry, Bird Flu Research, Birds, Engineering, Forensic Research, New Species, Organic Chemistry, Zoology

Prevailing wisdom ranks uric acid as the primary ingredient in bird excrement which is comprised mostly of urine. (Birds release both solid and liquid waste at the same time. The white substance is the urine). But according to new research, uric acid can't be the answer. That's because there is no uric acid in excreted bird urine.

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DNA 'origami' takes flight in emerging field of nano machines

September 18, 2019 0 Comments Biometric, Engineering and Construction, Forensic Research, Materials Science, Microarrays, Nanotechnology, Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics

'DNA mechanotechnology' is a new field to engineer DNA machines that generate, transmit and sense mechanical forces at the nanoscale.

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A safer way for police to test drug evidence

September 17, 2019 0 Comments Biometric, Controlled Substances, Forensic Research, Forensics, Materials Science, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacology, Physics

Scientists have demonstrated a way for police to quickly and safely test whether a baggie or other package contains illegal drugs without having to handle any suspicious contents directly. The new technique can limit the risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl and other highly potent drugs that can be dangerous if a small amount is accidentally inhaled.

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Gene editing tool gets sharpened by WFIRM team

September 13, 2019 0 Comments Biochemistry, Forensic Research, Gene Therapy, Genes, Human Biology, Medical Topics, Microarrays, Organic Chemistry

Scientists have fine-tuned their delivery system to deliver a DNA editing tool to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. The improved 'hit and run' system works faster and is more efficient.