DNA FORENSICS,  JUNE 27-28, 2002

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Current criminal investigations are now utilizing the power and importance of DNA evidence in the courtroom. CHI's Fifth Annual DNA Forensics examines the many aspects of forensic evidence from judicial and scientific points of view. Topics include recent advances in DNA databases, forensic technology, DNA typing, laboratory procedure standardization, and evidence collection/preservation. Any researcher involved with DNA analysis, from technical developers to forensics scientists, to population geneticists, to criminal investigators, to legal counsel, will find attendance at this meeting a must.

This conference is accredited for 3 CFE credits from the National Forensic Science Technology Center.

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Dr. Bruce Budowle, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dr. Ranajit Chakraborty, University of Cincinnati
Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg, University of North Texas Health Science Center
Dr. Henry C. Lee, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory

SPEAKERS
Mr. Jeffrey D. Ban, Virginia Division of Forensic Science
Dr. Mark A. Batzer, Louisiana State University
Dr. Todd Bille, The Bode Technology Group
Dr. Howard Cash, President, Gene Codes Forensics, Inc
Dr. Ranajit Chakraborty, University of Cincinnati
Judge Paul Chernoff, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Dr. Kerri A. Dugan, FBI Academy
Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg, University of North Texas Health Science Center
Dr. Tony Frudakis, DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
Dr. Robert Giles, Orchid BioSciences, Inc./Orchid Cellmark
Dr. Sean Graves, BIOPHILE Inc.
Dr. Susan Greenspoon, Virginia Division of Forensic Science
Mr. Richard Grundy, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Ms. Jodi A. Irwin, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
Dr. Henry C. Lee, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory
Dr. Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, National Cancer Institute
Mr. Martin Murphy, Bingham, Dana, and Gould
Dr. Mark W. Perlin, Cybergenetics
Dr. James M. Robertson, FBI Academy
Ms. Rhonda K. Roby, Applera Corporation
Dr. John Henry Ryan, Myriad Genetics Laboratories
Dr. Robert Shaler, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Dr. Martin A. Smith, Whatman Inc.
Ms. Catherine Thacker, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry
Dr. Peter M. Vallone, National Institute of Standards and Technology

 

PRE-CONFERENCE LEGAL ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION
DNA MATCH AND DNA TRANSFER ISSUES

DNA VARIATION AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT
Population Genetics
Mobile Elements
Predicting Racial Origin
LISA3
Large Data Banks

FORENSIC TYPING
Domestic Cat
RETINOMEsm
9-11 Industrial Scale DNA Identification

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND LABORATORY AUTOMATION
BioMek® 2000
Bone Extraction
Multiplexed Assays
SNP Marker Panel
Ultralow Temperature Sample Access
Automated Interpretation of STR Data

EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases
FTA Technology
Spermatozoa Capture System
Microbial Forensics
Detection Strategies for Pathogens

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

5:00-6:00pm Registration

6:00-7:00 Welcoming Reception (sponsored by Cambridge Healthtech Institute)

7:00-9:00 Pre-conference Legal Round-Table Discussion:  DNA MATCH AND DNA TRANSFER ISSUES Judge Paul Chernoff, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Defense Attorney, Mr. Martin Murphy, Bingham, Dana, and Gould Dr. Robin W. Cotton, Orchid Cellmark Prosecuting Attorney, Mr. Richard Grundy, Candidate for Essex County District Attorney, Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mr. Michael Hulak, Court Clerk, The Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Ms. Helen Litsas, Law Clerk, The Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts The roundtable legal discussion will feature the judge, prosecutor, and defense counsel at the rather highly publicized Court TV trial last year involving the Wellesley, Massachusetts doctor accused and convicted of murdering his wife. A significant challenge at the trial was that of educating and persuading a lay jury on both standard and cutting edge DNA issues ranging from DNA match to DNA transfer evidence. The roundtable discussion will involve how lay attorneys school themselves on DNA and develop strategies for presenting and testing scientific theories and evidence. The discussions will involve the judge's role as evidence gatekeeper in assessing the validity, reliability, and relevance of scientific theories and evidence. The presenters will use video footage from the trial as well as demonstrative evidence that was presented to the jury.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

7:30am Registration, Poster and Exhibit Setup, and Light Continental Breakfast

 

DNA VARIATION AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT

8:30 Chair's Opening Comments
Dr. Ranajit Chakraborty, Robert A. Kehoe Professor and Director, Center for Genome Information, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati

8:40 Allele and Genotype Matches in Database Searches: Do Observations Meet Expectations?
Dr. Ranajit Chakraborty
With the increase of acceptance of the thesis that DNA evidence is the most powerful technology for proving wrongful accusations, DNA databases have become common in the U.S. and other countries for assistance in criminal investigations. With the size of such databases increasing, attempts are also being reported publicly as well as privately, suggesting that the number of partial- or full-profile matches in such databases are not rare. Such observations may imply that these observations do not meet the expectations regarding frequencies of specific profiles made from standard population genetic principles. This presentation will address this issue by making distinctions of estimates of specific genotype profiles and the chance of finding matches between any pairs of individuals in databases. The effect of having relatives in databases will also be discussed, showing that the sporadic report of full- or partial-match profiles between individuals in databases is potentially misinformative, unless they are accompanied by appropriate statistical evaluations.

9:10 Mobile Elements for Human Identification
Dr. Mark A. Batzer, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Biological Computation and Visualization Center, Louisiana State University
A substantial proportion of the human genome is composed of repetitive DNA sequences. Repetitive elements belonging to the recently integrated "young" Alu and L1 subfamilies are thought to have inserted in the human genome after the divergence of humans from nonhuman primates. Many of these mobile elements have inserted into the human genome so recently that they are polymorphic for insertion presence/absence within diverse human populations. We have analyzed over one thousand recently integrated mobile elements contained within the draft sequence of the human genome and identified several hundred new mobile element insertion polymorphisms. The newly identified mobile element insertion polymorphisms will serve as a rich source of population-specific, identical-by-descent genetic markers for the study of human evolution and forensic genetics.

9:40 Y-Chromosome Haplotypes and the Possibility of Predicting Racial Origin
Ms. Catherine Thacker, Haemogenetics Section, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry
Y-chromosome STRs, unlike autosomal STRs, generally exhibit low levels of polymorphism but often show marked differences in allele frequency distributions between racial groups. Haplotypes of 250 unrelated individuals from three U.K. population groups have been compared. Current levels of discrimination were improved by using 11 Y-chromosome STRs and a male lineage examined over seven generations. A blind trial to assess validity of predicting ethnic origin from an unknown DNA sample was conducted, and a case included illustrating where this technique has been usefully applied.

10:10 Poster and Exhibit Viewing, Refreshment Break

11:00 LISA3: A Comprehensive Enterprisewide Laboratory Information Management System
Ms. Jodi A. Irwin, Bioinformatics Research Scientist, DoD DNA Registry, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
To better manage the large volume of electronic data being produced on a regular basis, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) has developed a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to organize specimens and data. LISA3 is a comprehensive system that tracks specimens through all steps of laboratory processing, provides tools for administrative review of laboratory procedures, and contains analysis modules for both nuclear and mitochondrial data. Data analysis modules include a program for profile comparison and statistical analysis of STR data, as well as a mitochondrial data storage and comparison application. LISA3 is in use on a regular basis at AFDIL and has resulted in vast savings of time and energy at all steps of laboratory processing and data analysis.

11:30 Experience Of A Large DNA Data Bank
Mr. Jeffrey D. Ban, Forensic Biology Section Chief, Virginia Division of Forensic Science
On a daily basis through the use of the short tandem repeats (STRs) technology in conjunction with the use of the Virginia DNA Data Bank of convicted offender samples and the National DNA Index System (NDIS), the Virginia Division of Forensic Science continues to prevail in helping solve crimes against persons and property. Initially during the first five years (1993-1997) that non-suspect cases were searched against the Virginia DNA Data Bank using the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technology, out of the approximate 10,500 convicted offender samples that were analyzed, 30 DNA Data Bank "hits" were obtained. With the implementation of STRs and the Division's decision to outsource the analysis of the backlogged convicted offender samples not yet analyzed, the Division now averages 2 DNA Data Bank "hits" each workday. However, the Division's success is also attributed to the continued analysis of non-suspect cases along with the suspect cases for entry into the Forensic Index of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and periodic searching against the Offender Index.

12:00 Lunch (on your own)

 

FORENSIC TYPING

1:30 Chair's Comments
Dr. Bruce Budowle, Senior Scientist, Biology Laboratory Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation

1:35 The Development of a Forensic Typing System for the Domestic Cat
Dr. Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, Staff Scientist, Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute
Hairs of domestic animals are often associated with crime scenes and morphological criteria have typically been utilized to identify hairs on a species or breed level. The development of STR loci in a range of domestic animals and their incorporation into genetic recombination maps have created the potential for genetic individualization of domestic animals for forensic applications. We present our progress in development of a forensic typing system in the domestic cat, including (1) isolation, mapping, and characterization of 53 tetranucleotide repeat loci in the cat genome; (2) genotyping and characterization of 22 highly polymorphic tetranucleotide repeat loci in 29 cat breeds; (3) the selection of a forensic panel of 11 STR loci and a gender-identifying STS; (4) development of a multiplex amplification protocol; (5) development of a species-identifying mitochondrial DNA primer set; and (6) progress in sample collection of 37 recognized breeds of domestic cat for the genetic database.

2:05 RETINOMEsm Genetic Eye Color Test
Dr. Tony Frudakis, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
We have screened the common polymorphisms in the major human pigmentation genes in an effort to develop a classifier for human iris pigmentation. Genotypes from about 300 SNPs in about 600 individuals of known eye color were collected, and haplotype features were extracted and modeled using novel genetic pattern detection algorithms. We were able to identify five haplotype systems predictive of human eye color and model these systems into a classifier comprising over 40 compound genotypes for the prediction of Caucasian eye color shade with over 97% accuracy. We hope that the classifier could be used to guide investigative work and provide probable cause for STR typing requests.

2:35 Poster and Exhibit Viewing, Refreshment Break

 

9-11 INDUSTRIAL SCALE DNA IDENTIFICATION

3:15 Project Management
Dr. Robert Shaler, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner

3:30 High-Throughput STR Analysis for a Mass Fatality Incident Using the SurelockIDsm System
Dr. John Henry Ryan, Director of Forensic Programs, Myriad Genetic Laboratories
To aid in the processing of multiple sample types from the World Trade Center tragedy, a highly automated STR DNA typing system has been constructed, validated, and implemented. This system has a demonstrated capability to process pristine reference material, DNA extractions of personal effects, and DNA extractions of victim samples. Each of these sample types presented a unique set of challenges for processing in a high-throughput environment. To accommodate all of these substrate types within the same high-throughput system required multiple sample entry points and reprocess pathways.

4:00 Automation for Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Ms. Rhonda Roby, Director, Forensic Program, Applera Corporation
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is a valuable tool for human remains identification. Due to its high copy number, mtDNA analysis is especially useful when the DNA is highly degraded or when only small sample sizes are available (e.g., a single shed hair). Additionally, due to its maternal inheritance, mtDNA analysis is a valuable resource when reference standards or close relatives are not available for comparison. Implementation of and advancements in automation for forensic mtDNA analysis in laboratory robotics, multicapillary systems, and data analysis will be presented.

4:30 DNA Identification Efforts on Victims of the World Trade Center Disaster
Dr. Todd Bille, Assistant Laboratory Director, The Bode Technology Group
To date, over 14,000 samples have been received for DNA analysis from the World Trade Center disaster. This is the largest DNA identification effort in history. Automation, high-throughput analysis, and tracking are essential. Bode Technology is using both STR and mtDNA analysis for identification. Results are sent back to the New York City Medical Examiner's office, which uses the information for signing death certificates.

5:00 Insights
Dr. Howard Cash, President, Gene Codes Forensics, Inc

5:15 Panel Discussion

5:45 Close of Day Two

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

7:30am Poster and Exhibit Viewing and Light Continental Breakfast

 

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND LABORATORY AUTOMATION

8:00 Chair's Comments
Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg, Associate Professor and Director, DNA Identity Laboratory, University of North Texas

8:05 Automated Extraction of Sexual Assault Samples with the BioMek®2000 Robot
Dr. Susan Greenspoon, Forensic Molecular Biologist, Virginia Division of Forensic Science
Automated DNA extraction of reference samples is routine for many forensic laboratories. What is not customary is the automated extraction of evidentiary samples. A modified BioMek®2000 robot in combination with the DNA IQ™ kit was used to partially automate the extraction of mock sexual assault samples. Prior to beginning the experiments, differential extractions for both mock and real postcoital samples were successfully completed on the BioMek®2000. Additionally, several contamination studies were performed. Initially, some contamination was detected, but once the extraction format was modified no contamination was observed. For the study, varying dilutions of a known semen sample were placed onto duplicate swabs, one half to be completed on the BioMek®2000 and the other half to be completed manually using the organic extraction method. Swabs were cut into one-half, one-fourth, or one-eighth portions prior to beginning the extractions. The epithelial cells were lysed and the sperm cells pelleted and washed. The samples were equally divided; one half was completed on the BioMek®2000 and the other half completed manually. Only a fraction of the epithelial cell lysates and the entire sperm pellets were loaded onto the robot. The robot completed the DNA extractions for forty samples in a little over an hour, a savings of approximately six hours per analyst. Not only did the BioMek®2000-DNA IQ™ perform as well as the manual organic differential extractions, but in most instances it outperformed the manual extraction for both yield and quality of PCR product produced.

8:35 Improvements in Bone Extraction for Forensic mtDNA Analysis
Dr. Kerri A. Dugan, Research Biologist, Forensic Science Research Unit, FBI Academy
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis of forensic samples can be performed when the quantity and quality of DNA are insufficient for nuclear DNA analysis or when DNA analysis through a maternal lineage is required. Bone can be one of the more challenging forensic samples because of the low levels of DNA present, the likelihood of DNA degradation, and the potential presence of PCR inhibitors. Several extraction and purification strategies for efficiently obtaining highly purified DNA from bone have been analyzed. These include decalcification, the use of chaotropic agents, phenol-chloroform extraction, and the use of silica beads for DNA purification. While all extraction methods evaluated provide DNA that can be successfully amplified and sequenced, decalcification followed by a combination of organic extraction and the use of silica for DNA purification may provide for the most efficient recovery of high-quality DNA. Evaluation and validation of an optimized bone extraction protocol will be presented.

9:05 Multiplexed Assays for Probing Y-Chromosome and Mitochondrial Markers
Dr. Peter M. Vallone, Research Chemist, Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Genetic markers located on the Y chromosome and mitochondrial genome are of increasing importance in human identity testing. The typing of short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are of specific interest. The ability to probe multiple sites in a single reaction is commonly referred to as multiplexing. The ability to multiplex increases the amount of information collected versus time. Optimally designed assays benefit forensic laboratories by providing higher throughput and reduced cost per sample. We will describe the methodology and results of multiplexed assays for the typing markers located on the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA. The development of an assay designed to probe 20 Y STR markers and another for probing 10 mitochondrial SNPs will be discussed. The ability of SNP assays to be analyzed by capillary electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques will also be illustrated.

9:35 The Use of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Marker Panel for Human Identification from Compromised Biological Specimens
Dr. Robert Giles, Executive Director of Operations and Research and Development, Orchid Identity Genomics, Orchid BioSciences, Inc./Orchid Cellmark
The analysis of DNA samples recovered from compromised biological remains presents some interesting challenges and opportunities for the forensics science community. A panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers has been designed to be effective on biological specimens whose DNA has undergone extensive degradation. Our laboratory has developed an automated, ultrahigh-throughput system called SNPstream® UHT that utilizes multiplexed PCR in conjunction with SNP-IT™, Orchid's proprietary single base extension technology. Microarrays used in this system enable multiplexed assays that generate cost-effective, accurate results. Preliminary results indicate that biological specimens that are extremely degraded (only amelogenin can be observed) can be amplified and genotyped using this forensics SNP marker set. The criteria used for marker panel selection and data generated from a variety of forensic specimens will be presented.

10:05 Poster and Exhibit Viewing, Refreshment Break

10:45 The BIOPHILE Sample Management System: Automating Sample Access at Ultralow Temperatures
Dr. Sean Graves, Chief Technical Officer, BIOPHILE Inc.
The genomics, DNA forensics, proteomics, clinical, and drug discovery laboratories have a growing need to maintain valuable samples at ultralow
(-80°C) temperatures in a validated, secure environment. Automated sample management systems have until now required manual (off-line) storage of samples at -80°C, reducing system reliability, speed, and security. The Sample Process Management System being introduced by BIOPHILE addresses all of these important needs. This new and enabling technology consists of a unique information technology platform, sophisticated robotics designed to operate reliably at -80°C, and an OEM-configured Harris ULT freezer. Benefits include a fully validated sample management system, secure storage and retrieval of samples, optimum sample tracking and data management, reduction of thermal shock, improved sample longevity and quality, and compatibility with other laboratory information and automation systems.

11:15 Automated Interpretation of STR Data
Dr. Mark W. Perlin, Chief Executive Officer, Cybergenetics
With the advent of automated forensic STR data generation, the current bottleneck has become the human interpretation of DNA data. The supply of trained forensic analysts cannot keep pace with society's exploding demand for DNA evidence; therefore, expert computer systems are needed to provide intelligent automated interpretation. Cybergenetics has developed, validated and deployed expert systems for DNA databanking, typically resulting in a ten-fold increase in throughput using equivalent human labor. Moreover, we have published and implemented automated computer-based casework and mixture interpretation methods. These casework systems are currently being validated, and may find application in automated rape kit, serial crime and anti-terrorist DNA interpretation. This presentation will describe our methods, systems and results for automated interpretation of STR databank and casework data.

11:45 Panel Discussion

12:15 Luncheon (sponsored by Cambridge Healthtech Institute)

 

EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

1:30 Chair's Comments
Dr. Henry C. Lee, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory

1:35 Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases
Dr. Henry C. Lee
Due to recent advancements in DNA technology and the availability of the CODIS-DNA data bank, many unsolved cold cases were reinvestigated. Physical evidence collected at the original crime scene and from the victim's body was reexamined and biological stains were retested. DNA extracted from those items were linked to suspects and provided new investigative leads.

2:05 Utility of FTA Technology for Archiving and Analysis of DNA
Dr. Martin A Smith, Senior Manager, Research and Development, Whatman Inc.
FTA technology enables the room temperature archiving of DNA in biological samples (blood, buccal samples, tissue, etc.). DNA analysis on the archived sample can be performed days, months, or years later utilizing a very simple protocol. More recently, we have focused on the utilization of FTA technology for the archiving and analysis of nucleic acid within the forensic setting where "out of laboratory" sample acquisition and the need for efficient DNA databasing are prevalent. In addition, we have also focused on automation of the processes involving FTA technology.

2:35 Development of a Spermatozoa Capture System for the Differential Extraction of Sexual Assault Evidence
Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg
The recovery of DNA from sexual assault evidence can involve lengthy and tedious procedures. Often the differential extraction procedure is unsuccessful, and the DNA profiles from the evidence contain mixtures of the victim's and the assailant's DNA. This mixed DNA profile can make the interpretation of the results more difficult and often confusing to a judge or jury. A cellular sorting method utilizing an antibody/magnetic bead capture system for the recovery of sperm has been developed. The sperm antibodies have been chemically modified so that when bound to sperm they can be photoactivated, resulting in a covalent linkage. After photoactivation, the bound sperm are lysed releasing the DNA into solution. The sperm heads remain bound to the antibody/magnetic bead complex and are easily removed using a magnet. The released sperm DNA can then be directly amplified without further purification. The antibody/magnetic bead capture system can provide forensic scientists with a more efficient, reliable, and automatable method for the analysis of sexual assault evidence.

3:05 Poster and Exhibit Viewing, Refreshment Break

3:30 Constructing A Microbial Forensic Program
Dr. Bruce Budowle
A number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi pose serious health concerns to humans, threaten the U.S. agricultural economy and food supplies, and/or affect the environment. The potential for use of any of these pathogenic agents as a biological weapon has been demonstrated and further attacks cannot be ruled out. Better information is required on those who have access to these pathogens so threats can be deterred or traced back effectively to possible sources. To achieve this goal, a national database of pathogens, pathogen fingerprints and individuals authorized to have access to these pathogens must be established. Development and validation of methods to type or individualize various threat agents in ways that can be used forensically in court to attribute criminal acts have to be promulgated. Genetic and derivative testing approaches need to be clarified. Forensic requirements and quality assurance standards for microbial analyses need to be defined. Orchestration of the tasks required to establish the national microbial forensics program falls upon the newly formed Scientific Working Group on Microbial Forensics hosted by the FBI.

4:00 Comparison of Detection Strategies for Pathogens
Dr. James M. Robertson, Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, FBI Academy
In response to the growing threat of biological terrorism, a number of novel, integrated systems have been developed that automatically collect and analyze trapped micro-organisms for presumptive identification. Most of the methods do not involve DNA analysis in the initial stage of detection. If the presumptive tests indicate that a pathogen is present in the sample, then validated DNA assays are used for confirmation. Despite the availability of rapid, sensitive, and specific technologies for pathogen detection, it is desirable to preserve a portion of the evidence in a way that permits culturing of the micro-organisms for classical metabolic and morphological characterization. In the presentation, novel, non-PCR technologies will be compared with the increasingly popular, probe-based, rapid PCR methods of pathogen detection.

4:30 Panel Discussion

5:00 Close of Conference

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Hotel Information
Washington Marriott Hotel
1221 22nd Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
T: 202-872-1500
F: 202-872-1424
Room Rate: $159 S/D
Cut-off Date: June 3, 2002
Please call the hotel directly to make your room reservation. Identify yourself as a Cambridge Healthtech Institute conference attendee to receive the reduced room rate. Reservations made after the cut-off date or after the group room block has been filled (whichever comes first) will be accepted on a space-and-rate-availability basis. Rooms are limited, so please book early.

Travel Information
Special Zone and Discount Fares have been established for this conference with United Airlines. Please call United Airlines Meeting Reservation Desk at 800-521-4041 and reference ID#579YS.

Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors
Without the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations, many of today's more serious crimes could go unsolved or result in a wrongful conviction. The focus of this event is on the use of DNA-based forensic evidence from both a scientific and judicial point of view. This conference will conclude our Profiling PCR and Beyond week and is being held concurrently with the Sixth Annual Label, Signaling and Detection conference. Due to the variety of specific topics being presented, we strongly encourage any company with services or products related to nucleic acid amplification, PCR, DNA variation, population profiling, DNA / mtDNA databases, lab automation, hand-held biosensors, forensic typing, SNPs, animal DNA, as well as evidence collection, storage, and retrieval to consider sponsoring or exhibiting at this event. Sponsorship is an ideal way to prominently elevate your company's presence and influence at CHI's conferences. Several sponsorship packages do include a booth; however, exhibit space can be purchased separately. Registering to exhibit only before March 8, 2002 will save your company up to $600! 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Deborah Brooks at 781-972-5412 or dbrooks@healthtech.com.

To reserve a booth, please contact Pam Crane at 781-972-5431 or pcrane@healthtech.com.

Call for Posters
Cambridge Healthtech Institute encourages attendees to gain further exposure by presenting their work in the poster sessions. Please fill out the registration form, with the poster title and primary author. To ensure inclusion in the conference binder, a one-page summary must be submitted and registration must be paid in full by May 17, 2002.  Click here for poster instructions