Latest news with #Nucleotide
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cornyn, Welch introduce the Carla Walker Act to help solve cold cases
May 22—WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT) on Thursday introduced the Carla Walker Act, which would dedicate existing federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and help solve previously unsolvable cold cases. The bill is named for Carla Walker, a Fort Worth native whose murderer was finally identified 46 years after her death with the help of this advanced technology. "Fort Worth native Carla Walker was abducted in a bowling alley and tragically murdered in 1974, but it took more than four decades and the advent of forensic genetic genealogy DNA analysis for her killer to be identified and brought to justice," said Sen. Cornyn. "I am proud to have authored this legislation, which would make this cutting-edge DNA testing technology more widely available to law enforcement so they can better identify and prosecute offenders, solve cold cases, and bring closure to victims' families." "Advancements in forensic DNA technology have revolutionized our ability to combat crime. In Vermont, detectives were able to use forensic genetic genealogy analysis to help provide answers to a family who thought they might never come. We've also seen how this technology can be a powerful tool in giving those wrongly accused a chance to clear their names," said Sen. Welch. "Our bipartisan bill will help investigators across the country harness the incredible power of FGG technology to crack cold cases and deliver justice to countless victims and families, and I'm thankful for Senator Cornyn's leadership on it." U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Background: Typically, when a suspect's identity is unknown, a crime laboratory uploads the genetic material recovered from a crime scene into the FBI's national database to search for DNA matches between the forensic sample and any known offenders. While this traditional form of forensic DNA profiling only examines 13-20 Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) technology examines over half a million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that span the entirety of the human genome. It does so by cross-referencing shared blocks of SNP markers to identify relatives of the genetic profile by uncovering shared blocks of DNA. This enables criminal investigators to build family trees that ultimately help determine the sample's identity and solve cases. Carla Walker was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 1974. Her body was found three days later in a drainage ditch 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department was able to collect a few forensic samples and clothing items from the crime scene, but law enforcement could not solve the murder due to limited forensic technology at the time. Carla's brother, Jim Walker, never stopped searching for answers and nearly 50 years later, FGG DNA analysis was conducted on the last remaining DNA on a piece of Walker's clothing, which led to a successful DNA match with the McCurley family and ultimately identified Glen McCurley, Jr. as the killer, who confessed in 2021 and died in prison on July 14, 2023. Sen. Cornyn's Carla Walker Act would create a pilot program to make this cutting-edge FGG DNA analysis more widely available to investigative agencies to: — Aid in resolving previously unsolvable cold cases; — Assist in the identification of criminals; — Seek justice for previously unidentified victims; — Help exonerate wrongly accused suspects; — And bring closure for the victims' loved ones.
Mid East Info
21-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Shaping the Future of Fertility : Dr Razan Jawdat's Breakthroughs in Genetic Screening
Dr Razan Jawdat is a renowned scientist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), specialising in reproductive genetics. With a background in molecular genetics, her work focuses on Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). This cutting-edge technique enhances reproductive outcomes and prevents hereditary diseases. Dr. Jawdat's expertise in genomic testing at the embryology level has placed KFSHRC at the forefront of reproductive medicine, ensuring healthier future generations. Her work is particularly impactful in regions with high consanguinity, where the prevalence of genetic disorders is significantly elevated. By integrating Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) array analysis by key mapping and next-generation sequencing technology into IVF protocols, she has contributed to the refinement of genetic screening techniques, reducing the burden of inherited conditions. Her work supports families facing repeated pregnancy loss for unknown reasons and genetic risks, empowering them with precise reproductive choices. With her contribution, KFSHRC has established itself as a centre of excellence in reproductive health and genetic medicine, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 healthcare objectives. Through her and her team's pioneering efforts, the institution has gained national and international recognition as a leader in genomic medicine and IVF. Dr. Jawdat's clinical focus ensures that PGT is applied selectively to cases such as Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) of unknown causes and Repeated Miscarriages (RM), maximizing its efficacy through an evidence-based approach. Her colleagues at KFSHRC include a wide range of IVF consultants, embryologists, PGT technologists, and clinical scientists, including Dr Wafa Qubbaj and Dr Serdar Coskun. Their collective expertise has progressed the field of reproductive genetics, establishing new benchmarks in patient care and scientific advancement. Additionally, her work goes beyond clinical applications to include training programs and academic initiatives to foster local expertise in genetics at the preimplantation stages. Committed to driving advancements in reproductive genetics, Dr. Jawdat actively collaborates with leading global research institutions to refine methodologies and improve patient outcomes. Her participation in international conferences reflects her dedication to knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary cooperation. At LEAP 2025, she underscored the transformative role of PGT, particularly in addressing the challenges of inherited disorders in consanguineous populations, reinforcing the importance of genetic innovations in reproductive medicine. Dr. Jawdat envisions a future where Saudi Arabia continues to lead in genomic medicine, ensuring that PGT is more accessible and sustainable. Her work aligns with the country's long-term healthcare objectives, driving precision medicine and genetic counselling advancements. 'No family should have to face the uncertainty of genetic disease, repeated pregnancy loss, or unexplained implantation failure without answers. PGT empowers families with solutions—helping them select the healthiest embryos for a successful pregnancy. Carrier screening before pregnancy is essential, especially for consanguineous couples, to identify risks early and make informed choices. With these advances, we are not just improving fertility care—we are shaping a future of healthier generations.'
