Developer docs
API playgroundTry for free, no card

Search company profiles

Astrea Forensics

Full company profile

uuid000dg7b

Namestring
Astrea Forensics
Legal namestring
Astrea Forensics LLC
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2019
Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
1–10
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersScotts Valley, United States
HQ citystring
Scotts Valley
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
forensic DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy, whole genome sequencing, rootless hair analysis, ancient DNA techniques
Industry5 codes
1Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/NAAT/NGS-based IVD)
CodeHLAHAAADPrimaryYes
2Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics)
CodeHLAAALADPrimaryNo
3Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR)
CodeHLAGADAFPrimaryNo
4Genetic & Prenatal Testing Laboratories
CodeHLAFAMAHPrimaryNo
5Forensic & Anti-Counterfeit Testing (Product Integrity)
CodeHLAGADAMPrimaryNo
NAICS code2 codes
  • Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories6215
  • Medical Laboratories621511
SIC code2 codes
  • Services-Medical Laboratories8071
  • In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances2835
Product category
Forensic DNA Testing & Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Social media profiles2 records
GTM motion2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model2 records
1Forensic DNA Testing Services
TypeProfessional Services
Description

Laboratory services for whole genome sequencing and SNP profiling of forensic samples. The company processes evidence for law enforcement and genetic genealogy investigators on a case-by-case basis.

2DNA Extraction and Library Preparation Kits
TypeHardware Sales
Description

Sale of Astrea Forensics DNA Extraction Kit for Rootless Hair and Library Preparation Kit for Illumina sequencers to other laboratories and research institutions.

astreaforensics.com
Marketing channels6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Pricing details1 tier
1Custom forensic DNA testing services
ModelOtherBilling cadenceMulti-year contract
Notes

No public pricing available. Cases are handled individually with consultation. Some cases funded through NIJ grants and research initiatives.

astreaforensics.com
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Core offering1 text field

Astrea Forensics operates as a specialized forensic DNA testing laboratory that performs whole genome sequencing and SNP profiling on highly degraded evidence—most notably rootless hair, bone, and teeth—using proprietary methods adapted from ancient DNA techniques. The company delivers actionable SNP genotype profiles for forensic genetic genealogy searches against databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, and offers the WOPR bioinformatics pipeline, patented one-to-one comparison software, and commercial DNA extraction and library preparation kits.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 5 values shown
  • Successfully identified Pvt. John Pumphrey, a Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1780 — one of the oldest successful identifications of remains using genetic genealogy
+4 more records
Product overview1 text field

Astrea Forensics is a forensic genome sequencing service lab offering a portfolio of services and commercial kits. The core offering is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) using ancient DNA techniques to recover genetic profiles from highly degraded forensic samples such as rootless hair, bone, teeth, and other challenging specimens. This is supported by the proprietary WOPR bioinformatics pipeline which converts sequencing data into SNP genotype profiles for forensic genetic genealogy (FIGG), and the patented One-to-One Comparison (Tilde/IBDGem) software for direct DNA-to-DNA sample matching. Astrea also commercializes two laboratory kit products: the DNA Extraction Kit for Rootless Hair and the Library Preparation Kit for Illumina, both sold for use in external forensic laboratories.

Scale indicator3 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership4 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Longstanding partnership with DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization that uses forensic genetic genealogy to identify unknown individuals. Astrea provides DNA extraction and SNP profiling services for DDP cases, contributing to hundreds of successful identifications. The partnership has solved high-profile cases including Somerton Man, Green River Killer's youngest victim, and numerous Doe cases spanning decades.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Collaboration with NCMEC on identifying missing children and cold case victims. NCMEC coordinates evidence collection, secures funding, and connects Astrea with investigators and families. Astrea provides DNA analysis for cases where traditional methods fail, including rootless hair evidence from historical cases.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Partnership with Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center for solving cold cases. College students conduct genealogical research using DNA profiles generated by Astrea, leading to identifications like Maria Quinones Garcia.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Collaboration with FHD Forensics on Revolutionary War soldier identification (Pvt. John Pumphrey). Combined DNA extraction and analysis efforts for the Battle of Camden case, marking one of the oldest successful genetic genealogy identifications.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

Othram is a forensic genomics laboratory that builds DNA profiles from degraded evidence and partners with law enforcement for investigative genetic genealogy, directly competing with Astrea Forensics in the same casework category.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Parabon Nanolabs provides forensic genetic genealogy and SNP-based analysis services to law enforcement; Astrea has directly partnered with Parabon on cases, indicating they operate in overlapping customer workflows.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Verogen provides NGS-based forensic DNA workflows and the ForenSeq kit for human identification, competing with Astrea's WGS and bioinformatics approach in the forensic sequencing market.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Bode Technology is a major forensic DNA testing laboratory serving law enforcement with traditional and advanced DNA services, including CODIS and kinship analysis, overlapping with Astrea's government client base.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Sorenson Forensics provides accredited forensic DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies across the US, competing for similar government forensic casework contracts.

TypeEmerging player
Description

Gene by Gene operates the FamilyTreeDNA genetic genealogy database used by Astrea's clients for FIGG matching; while Astrea uploads profiles to FTDNA, Gene by Gene is expanding into forensic-adjacent sequencing services that overlap with Astrea's lab capabilities.

TypeOthers
Description

DNA Doe Project is a nonprofit that uses forensic genetic genealogy to identify unidentified remains; Astrea is a longstanding lab partner, and DDP shapes demand for Astrea's services while indirectly competing for visibility in unsolved case work.

TypeEmerging player
Description

HudsonAlpha Discovery provides sequencing and bioinformatic services, including forensic casework; Astrea partners with HudsonAlpha on sequencing and could compete for similar degraded-sample forensic projects.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Cellmark Forensics is an accredited forensic DNA testing laboratory serving law enforcement with DNA profiling and kinship analysis, comparable to Astrea in service category and quality regime.

TypeEmerging player
Description

The Ramapo College IGG Center conducts investigative genetic genealogy research using profiles generated by labs like Astrea; while primarily educational, it represents an emerging capability that could expand into service provision adjacent to Astrea.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers9 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile3 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

Integration3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Description, Source

AI capability2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature5 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
No data
Compliance1 record

Each record includes

Name, Class, Description

Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Astrea Forensics

Forensic DNA Testing & Forensic Genetic Genealogyastreaforensics.com

Astrea Forensics firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Astrea Forensics
Legal name
Astrea Forensics LLC
Website
https://astreaforensics.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2019
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
1–10 employees
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Astrea Forensics industry classification

Industry
Product category
Forensic DNA Testing & Forensic Genetic Genealogy
NAICS
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), Medical Laboratories (621511)
SIC
Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)
akta.pro primary industry
Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/NAAT/NGS-based IVD) (HLAHAAAD)
akta.pro secondary industries
Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD), Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF), Genetic & Prenatal Testing Laboratories (HLAFAMAH), Forensic & Anti-Counterfeit Testing (Product Integrity) (HLAGADAM)

Keywords

  • Forensic DNA testing
  • Forensic genetic genealogy
  • Whole genome sequencing
  • Rootless hair analysis
  • Ancient DNA techniques

Where Astrea Forensics is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Scotts Valley
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Astrea Forensics business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. Forensic DNA Testing Services: Laboratory services for whole genome sequencing and SNP profiling of forensic samples. The company processes evidence for law enforcement and genetic genealogy investigators on a case-by-case basis.
  2. DNA Extraction and Library Preparation Kits: Sale of Astrea Forensics DNA Extraction Kit for Rootless Hair and Library Preparation Kit for Illumina sequencers to other laboratories and research institutions.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
OtherMulti-year contractCustom forensic DNA testing services

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Astrea Forensics product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Astrea Forensics operates as a specialized forensic DNA testing laboratory that performs whole genome sequencing and SNP profiling on highly degraded evidence—most notably rootless hair, bone, and teeth—using proprietary methods adapted from ancient DNA techniques. The company delivers actionable SNP genotype profiles for forensic genetic genealogy searches against databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, and offers the WOPR bioinformatics pipeline, patented one-to-one comparison software, and commercial DNA extraction and library preparation kits.

Product overview

Astrea Forensics is a forensic genome sequencing service lab offering a portfolio of services and commercial kits. The core offering is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) using ancient DNA techniques to recover genetic profiles from highly degraded forensic samples such as rootless hair, bone, teeth, and other challenging specimens. This is supported by the proprietary WOPR bioinformatics pipeline which converts sequencing data into SNP genotype profiles for forensic genetic genealogy (FIGG), and the patented One-to-One Comparison (Tilde/IBDGem) software for direct DNA-to-DNA sample matching. Astrea also commercializes two laboratory kit products: the DNA Extraction Kit for Rootless Hair and the Library Preparation Kit for Illumina, both sold for use in external forensic laboratories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

  • Successfully identified Pvt. John Pumphrey, a Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1780 — one of the oldest successful identifications of remains using genetic genealogy
  • +4 more outcomes

Companies that use Astrea Forensics

Customer profile

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Astrea Forensics technology and API

Technology

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Astrea Forensics partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • DNA Doe ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partnership with DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization that uses forensic genetic genealogy to identify unknown individuals. Astrea provides DNA extraction and SNP profiling services for DDP cases, contributing to hundreds of successful identifications. The partnership has solved high-profile cases including Somerton Man, Green River Killer's youngest victim, and numerous Doe cases spanning decades.
  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with NCMEC on identifying missing children and cold case victims. NCMEC coordinates evidence collection, secures funding, and connects Astrea with investigators and families. Astrea provides DNA analysis for cases where traditional methods fail, including rootless hair evidence from historical cases.
  • Ramapo College IGG CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center for solving cold cases. College students conduct genealogical research using DNA profiles generated by Astrea, leading to identifications like Maria Quinones Garcia.
  • FHD ForensicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with FHD Forensics on Revolutionary War soldier identification (Pvt. John Pumphrey). Combined DNA extraction and analysis efforts for the Battle of Camden case, marking one of the oldest successful genetic genealogy identifications.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Astrea Forensics competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • Othram: Othram is a forensic genomics laboratory that builds DNA profiles from degraded evidence and partners with law enforcement for investigative genetic genealogy, directly competing with Astrea Forensics in the same casework category.
  • Parabon Nanolabs: Parabon Nanolabs provides forensic genetic genealogy and SNP-based analysis services to law enforcement; Astrea has directly partnered with Parabon on cases, indicating they operate in overlapping customer workflows.
  • Verogen (a QIAGEN company): Verogen provides NGS-based forensic DNA workflows and the ForenSeq kit for human identification, competing with Astrea's WGS and bioinformatics approach in the forensic sequencing market.
  • Bode Technology: Bode Technology is a major forensic DNA testing laboratory serving law enforcement with traditional and advanced DNA services, including CODIS and kinship analysis, overlapping with Astrea's government client base.
  • Sorenson Forensics: Sorenson Forensics provides accredited forensic DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies across the US, competing for similar government forensic casework contracts.
  • Cellmark Forensics: Cellmark Forensics is an accredited forensic DNA testing laboratory serving law enforcement with DNA profiling and kinship analysis, comparable to Astrea in service category and quality regime.

Emerging players

  • Gene by Gene (FamilyTreeDNA): Gene by Gene operates the FamilyTreeDNA genetic genealogy database used by Astrea's clients for FIGG matching; while Astrea uploads profiles to FTDNA, Gene by Gene is expanding into forensic-adjacent sequencing services that overlap with Astrea's lab capabilities.
  • HudsonAlpha Discovery: HudsonAlpha Discovery provides sequencing and bioinformatic services, including forensic casework; Astrea partners with HudsonAlpha on sequencing and could compete for similar degraded-sample forensic projects.
  • Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center: The Ramapo College IGG Center conducts investigative genetic genealogy research using profiles generated by labs like Astrea; while primarily educational, it represents an emerging capability that could expand into service provision adjacent to Astrea.

Others

  • DNA Doe Project: DNA Doe Project is a nonprofit that uses forensic genetic genealogy to identify unidentified remains; Astrea is a longstanding lab partner, and DDP shapes demand for Astrea's services while indirectly competing for visibility in unsolved case work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Astrea Forensics social profiles

Digital presence

Astrea Forensics compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

Astrea Forensics financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Astrea Forensics leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Astrea Forensics funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Astrea Forensics M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Astrea Forensics

What does Astrea Forensics do?

Astrea Forensics operates as a specialized forensic DNA testing laboratory that performs whole genome sequencing and SNP profiling on highly degraded evidence—most notably rootless hair, bone, and teeth—using proprietary methods adapted from ancient DNA techniques. The company delivers actionable SNP genotype profiles for forensic genetic genealogy searches against databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, and offers the WOPR bioinformatics pipeline, patented one-to-one comparison software, and commercial DNA extraction and library preparation kits.

Is Astrea Forensics a public or private company?

Astrea Forensics is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.

When was Astrea Forensics founded?

Astrea Forensics was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.

Where is Astrea Forensics based?

Astrea Forensics is headquartered in Scotts Valley, United States, in the North America region.

How does Astrea Forensics make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Forensic DNA Testing Services are the primary driver. The others are DNA Extraction and Library Preparation Kits.

Who are Astrea Forensics's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Othram, Parabon Nanolabs, Verogen (a QIAGEN company), Bode Technology, Sorenson Forensics and Cellmark Forensics. Emerging players are Gene by Gene (FamilyTreeDNA), HudsonAlpha Discovery and Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. DNA Doe Project is listed as an others.

Does Astrea Forensics have an API?

No public API is recorded for Astrea Forensics.

What industry is Astrea Forensics in?

Astrea Forensics's product category is Forensic DNA Testing & Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAAAD, Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/NAAT/NGS-based IVD), with a secondary code of HLAAALAD, Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics). Its NAICS code is 6215 and its SIC code is 8071.

Unlock the full company data

50 free credits on sign-up, no credit card required.

Contact sales
Live signals
New York PostDNA from the skull of unknown Revolutionary War soldier reveals more than just his nameThrough DNA analysis conducted by FHD Forensics and Astrea Forensics, archaeologists have identified the remains of Pvt. John Pumphrey, a teenage soldier from Maryland who died at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina on August 16, 1780, marking one of the oldest successful identifications of remains using genetic genealogy. The remains were discovered protruding from the ground in 2020 during an archaeological survey, leading to the recovery of 12 Continental soldiers whose remains were later reinterred with full military honors. The identification, announced ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, connects Pumphrey's living relatives including a retired federal agent who served as a volunteer researcher, with work continuing on identifying another set of remains.The Independent‘America’s oldest John Doe’ is finally identified via DNA from bones on a Revolutionary War battlefieldPvt. John Pumphrey, a 14-year-old Maryland orphan who died at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina on August 16, 1780, has been identified after 246 years through DNA extraction and genealogical research conducted by FHD Forensics and Astrea Forensics. Researchers successfully extracted usable DNA from a 240-plus-year-old temporal bone sample and matched it to relatives through FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch databases, with a retired federal agent providing archival research assistance. The identification was announced just ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary, and the soldier's "UNKNOWN" gravestone will be replaced with his name.The Seattle TimesDNA from bones on a Revolutionary War battlefield solves the case of ‘America’s oldest John Doe’Through DNA testing and genealogical research, researchers from FHD Forensics and Astrea Forensics identified the remains of Pvt. John Pumphrey, a 13-year-old Maryland teenager who died at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina on August 16, 1780. Using samples extracted from a 246-year-old temporal bone, they matched autosomal, X chromosome, and Y chromosome DNA to living relatives, including retired federal agent Russ Hudson, a fifth great-nephew. An emotional ceremony in Anne Arundel County, Maryland formally identified the soldier previously known only as "Camden 9B," and work continues to identify a second set of remains to whom FHD Forensics founder Allison Peacock is related.AP NewsDNA from the skull of an unknown Revolutionary War soldier reveals more than his nameDNA analysis has identified a previously unknown Revolutionary War soldier as Pvt. John Pumphrey, a Maryland teenager who died at the Battle of Camden in 1780, bringing closure to what researchers called "America's oldest John Doe." Forensic teams from FHD Forensics and Astrea Forensics extracted DNA from a 246-year-old skull fragment and used genealogical databases to trace family matches, confirming Pumphrey was part of the 7th Maryland Regiment that fought at Valley Forge. The discovery was announced ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, with relatives gathering for an emotional ceremony to honor their fifth great-uncle.Fox NewsDNA testing in Nancy Guthrie case could take months but may be fast-tracked, expert saysMore than 80 days after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was allegedly abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, investigators have transferred a hair sample to the FBI for DNA testing after initial processing at a private lab in Florida yielded no publicly known results. A leading genetic genealogist from Parabon Nanolabs predicts the FBI analysis could take months but may be expedited given the case's priority status. San Francisco-based Astrea Forensics, which previously worked on the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, is now expected to be involved in the Guthrie investigation.The Times of IndiaNancy Guthrie Case: Mystery widens as lab behind Gilgo Beach serial killer’s conviction now linked to probe; details inside - The Economic TimesThe FBI has taken custody of evidence including a hair sample from the Tucson, Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared on January 31, 2026, with no suspect arrested over 11 weeks later. Investigators are now considering Astrea Forensics, a San Francisco-based laboratory, to conduct advanced DNA analysis on the evidence, citing the lab's success in developing DNA profiles from rootless hair samples that helped convict Rex Heuermann in the separate Gilgo Beach serial killer case. CeCe Moore, a leading genetic genealogist, has stated confidence that the FBI will use Astrea given its proven track record, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department initially sent samples to DNA Labs International in Florida before the federal probe took over.HindustantimesConnection between Nancy Guthrie probe and Gilgo Beach murders revealed, ‘The FBI used…’A San Francisco forensics lab, Astrea Forensics, that helped crack the Gilgo Beach serial killer case is now being considered for the Nancy Guthrie missing persons investigation after rootless hair evidence from Nancy's home was sent to DNA Labs International in Florida. The FBI reportedly requested the DNA sample for testing two months ago, but the Pima County Sheriff's Department sent it to a private lab instead, prompting experts to recommend Astrea given its proven track record in solving the Gilgo Beach case through groundbreaking rootless hair DNA analysis. Rex Heuermann recently pleaded guilty to killing eight women between 1993 and 2010 in the Gilgo Beach case.Fox NewsLab behind Gilgo Beach killer conviction believed to be involved in Nancy Guthrie abduction caseAstrea Forensics, the specialized lab that helped develop DNA evidence from rootless hair samples in the conviction of Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann, is now being considered for similar work in the Nancy Guthrie suspected abduction case in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI has obtained hair samples collected from Guthrie's home, which were initially sent to Florida-based DNA Labs International by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the days following her disappearance. Genetic genealogists and law enforcement experts are recommending Astrea due to its proven track record with rootless hair analysis, while a combined reward of over $1.2 million has been offered for information in the case.WRAL.comCold case closure: 1968 murder victim identified using hair sample, DNA technologyThe Wake County Sheriff's Office solved a 57-year-old cold case by identifying a 1968 homicide victim as Myrtle Holcomb, using advanced DNA testing on a preserved hair sample through Astrea Forensics and forensic genealogy services from First Genes LLC. The victim was found burned beyond recognition in southern Wake County, North Carolina, and investigators later identified a person of interest, Robert Reagan, who died before charges could be filed. The State Bureau of Investigation contributed over $10,000 to cover DNA testing costs, and authorities say there remain 37 open cold cases statewide.University News & EventsMeet UC Santa Cruz entrepreneurs creating jobs and sparking innovationUC Santa Cruz is celebrating entrepreneurship month by profiling four companies connected to its academic community, showcasing how university research and alumni ventures are driving job creation and innovation. Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which licensed nanopore sequencing technology invented by UCSC professors David Deamer and Mark Akeson, created the MinION handheld DNA sequencer now used worldwide for scientific research and health applications. Astrea Forensics, co-founded by UCSC professor Richard Green, achieved a legal milestone in September when its forensic DNA technology passed a Frye hearing, validating its admissibility in court for criminal investigations.