Dna Today: A Genetics Podcast

This episode is kicking off a series about infertility. The launch of this series is coinciding with infertility awareness week, April 19-25th, 2020. Over the next few episodes of DNA Today, we will be talking to experts in fertility these include genetic counselors, a couple who went through IVF, even filmmakers who produced a science fiction movie about fertility.Sponsoring the series is LetsGetChecked, check out their home testing kits including fertility, sexual health and others. Receive your own kit for 20% off by using code “DNAToday”.Currently 7.3 million Americans are facing infertility, and we wanted to bring awareness to this, but also education by having these conversations to learn about the science and genetic side, but also the patient side and hearing how infertility has impacted people’s lives and hearing their perspective. So many excited guests coming up!The first guest to launch this series is Lauren Isley, who is a genetic counselor that specializes in fertility and assisted reproductive

Zaki Sabet joins the show to discuss issues in the diagnostic process of hematologic cancers. Zaki has been with Precipio since co-founding the company in 2011 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer. He holds over 15 years of experience in laboratory management spanning all fields of reference laboratory operations primarily focusing on cancer diagnostics, which is the focus of our conversation on this episode. Prior to Precipio, Zaki has served as a consultant with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for many years as well as several diagnostic companies in setting up their specialized cancer testing operations. Zaki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.On This Episode We Discuss:Background on Hematologic Cancers including SubtypesFrequency of Hematologic CancersPrevalence of MisdiagnosisDiagnostic Odyssey for PatientsMisdiagnosis Impact on Treatment and Disease CourseImpact of Physician’s Clinical Suspicions on Lab Tests

This episode continues the crossover series with other podcasts. Joining the show is Dr. Janina Jeff, who is a Human Geneticist and the first African American to graduate with a PhD in Human Genetics from Vanderbilt University. She is currently a Senior Scientist at Illumina, a biotech company that creates technology for companies such as Ancestry.com and 23&Me. Her research career was focused on population genetics, specifically studying admixed populations (descendants with African ancestry) and discovering population specific genetic risk factors of common disease. Her podcast, “In Those Genes”, is a hip-hop inspired show that uses genetics to uncover the lost identities of African Americans.On This Episode We Discuss:Inspiration to pursue genetics careerDiversity advancing researchUnique aspects of African genomesDisparity of health and medicine in Non-European populationsAncestry’s Horrendeous Advertisement Romantizing SlaveryDr. Jeff’s 46 Chromosomes and a Mule ArticleReal Cost of Direct-to-Consumer

By the end of 2020, roughly 100 million people will have taken an at-home DNA test, according to MIT Technology Review. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the combined populations of Texas, California and Florida! In this podcast episode we explore considerations of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.Guests joining the episodes are from DNA ALLY, the matchmaker between direct-to-consumer genetic test consumers and genetic counselors. Nargol Faravashi, is the Co-Founder of DNA ALLY with a background in genetics and business. She had over 20 years of experience in launching clinical products for genomic companies along with an extensive background in business and marketing.Christin Coffeen has been a licensed certified genetic counselor for almost 20 years. She has a background in cancer and prenatal genetic counseling in the clinical setting as well as extensive industry background in medical affairs. She is also a member of DNA ALLY’s board of advisors.On This Episode We Discuss:Comprehensiveness

Dr. Daria Julkowska joins the show for Rare Disease Month as the Coordinator of the European Joint Program on Rare Diseases. This organization was newly established in January 2019. Daria is of Polish origin but she has lived and worked in France for the last 18 years. She has a PhD in molecular biology and is involved in rare diseases research and management for the last ten years.The European Joint Program on Rare Diseases represents 89 partners across the EU and beyond. Internally, the partners include research funders, research institutions and infrastructures, hospitals and of course patient organizations. The program is financed by the EU and the states participating in the project.On This Episode We Discuss:Motivation to Start the OrganizationGoals for the Rare Disease CommunityCountries RepresentedRare Disease Visual PlatformAdvancing Rare Disease ResearchOngoing Research ProjectsFunding for ResearchCombating Exorbitant Costs of Treatments (Ex: Spinraza)Rare Disease Day/Month InvolvementHappy Rare Dis

Genetic Counselor Matt Burgess join the first episode of 2020 to talk about Australian genetic counseling and being a clinical science liaison. He built one of Australia’s most successful genetic counseling private practices in Melbourne. Matt provided versatile genetic counseling services using a broad scope of knowledge including hereditary cancer, neurogenetics, prenatal genetics, adult, pediatric and cardiac genetics. He earned a graduate degree in genetic counseling from the University of Newcastle and a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at The University of Melbourne. He is currently a Clinical Science Liaison at Baylor Genetics. Matt also hosts another genetics podcast, “Demystifying Genetics”, which makes this is episode part of my crossover series with other genetic podcasts.On This Episode We Discuss:Australian Genetic CounselingNumber of Genetic Counselors and ProgramsMain Areas of PracticeHealthcare System Compared to the United StatesPrivate v. Public Health FacilitiesInsurance and Hospital

This episode is part of the crossover series with other podcasts, today’s episode is a crossover with “Advancing Dentistry” also hosted by Kira Dineen. Lauren Winter joins host Kira Dineen on this episode exploring the genetics of dentistry. They are both genetic counseling graduate students, Lauren attends the University of Pittsburgh and Kira attends Sarah Lawrence College. Lauren is a Research Assistant involved in the COHRA2/COHRA Smile Projects at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics. Lauren and Kira discuss this project and dental genetics in general.On This Episode We Discuss….Role of Genetics in Oral HealthPotential Uses of Genetic Testing in DentistryFactors Contributing to Oral Health Disparities in AppalachiaData Collecting and Analysis of Human Genetics, Oral Microbiome, Oral pH etc.Participant Requirements and Advantages to a Longitudinal ApproachRelationships Between Genetic Factors, Dental Caries/Cavities and BMIPotential Ways for Dentistry and Genetics to MergeLearn more about Laure

On this episode, we explore the pediatric speciality of genetic counseling. Guest Sam Toy is a pediatric genetic counselor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She earned her BS in Biology and MS in Professional Biology from Indiana University. She went on to earn her MS in genetic counseling from Indiana State University.On This Episode We Discuss:The role of a pediatric genetic counselorOutline of a genetic counseling sessionUnique aspects of pediatric genetic counselingGenetic testing whole genome/exome vs specific genesGenetic testing results’ give a diagnosis, change medical management, and insurance coveragePsychosocial aspects of counselingTransitioning from grad school to being a genetic counselor full timeApplication deadlines are approaching for genetic counseling grad schools, if you are working on your applications check out episode 87 which features tips from genetic counseling students on applications. Then episode 97 has advice on the other half of the application proce

The National Society of Genetic Counselors celebrated 40 years at this year’s annual conference! In 2019, we surpassed having 5,000 genetic counselors in the US/Canada! We now have 45 genetic counseling graduate programs in the US and 40 more international.In this podcast episode we recap highlights from the sessions and tips for new attendees next year. Below are some of our talking points and resources we mentioned in the episode. Also check out #NSGC19 on Twitter to read more insight from the conference.Should All Women With Breast Cancer Be Offered Genetic Testing?Panel: Dr Mark Robson from MSK, Dr Peter Beitsch from the Dallas Surgical Group, Sue Friedman founder of FORCE.Moderators: Dr. Lisa Madlensky from UC San Diego and Dr. David Euhus from Johns HopkinsMain points of the talk included…Clinical utilityInformed consent vs informed assentResearch vs diagnosticConcordant vs discordant resultsAccessibility and information givingProvider education and utilization of genetic counseling skillsetNCCN Guideli

It’s been 22 years since THE genetic thriller was released…. Gattaca. How has the film aged with genetic technology, society, ethics, and more? Find out in this episode!If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the film, refresh yourself with the plot summary below.Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) has always fantasized about traveling into outer space, but is grounded by his status as a genetically inferior "in-valid." He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a laboratory-engineered "valid." He assumes Jerome's DNA identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene (Uma Thurman). An investigation into the death of a Gattaca officer (Gore Vidal) complicates Vincent's plans.On This Episode We Discuss Ethical Questions Like...How has our understanding and appreciation of the film changed throughout our careers?Do you think the way Vincent exfoliates and environment would stand up to our current technology?How accurate did the film predict fertility

Shenela Lakhani is the Director of Genetic Counseling and Clinical Engagement for the Center of Neurogenetics at Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City. In this role she studies the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological disease of aging and adulthood.Before this role, she was the first certified genetic counselor in Qatar, a country in the Middle East. Shenela established the profession in the country and promoted genetics within the Middle East by speaking at international conferences. In Qatar she helped to establish high-risk breast cancer screening guidelines and a high-risk gastrointestinal clinic while contributing to local testing and screening guidelines.On this episode we explore what it was like to be the first certified genetic counselor in a country and how she was able to start the profession there and make an impact in public health in Qatar.On This Episode We Discuss:Inspiration and Motivation to Move Across the WorldChallenges of Starting Genetic Counseling in A Ne

On this episode Dr. Becky Winslow, a Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, shares her insight about pharmacogenomics. She is a Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Member, a Registered Pharmacogenomics Education Provider and a pharmacogenomics implementation specialist as the owner of inGENEious RX, LLC.On This Episode We Discuss:Pharmacogenomics vs PharmacogeneticsCurrent Understanding of PharmacogenomicsTesting AvailableGeneral Population TestingAreas of Healthcare UltizedPrecision Medicine Approach to PrescriptionsMental Health, Cancer etc.Roadblock to Widespread UsePhysicians Ability to Translate Test ResultsGenetic Counselors Potential RoleFuture of PharmacogenomicsCheck out the first truly anonymous direct to consumer genetic testing company, Secret Sequence. The founders joined me on episode 105 to share about the company and what they offer consumers. For $25 off two or more DNA kits use promo code, “DNAToday” at secretsequence.com. See what else they are up to on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitte

Founder of Grey Genetics, Eleanor Griffith, shares about her telehealth genetic counseling company.

This episode launches Secret Sequence as the new sponsor for the show! Joining me on the episode are the founding team of Secret Sequence, Jason Corbiere and Austin Maier.On This Episode We Discuss Genetic Privacy:- Secret Sequence’s Genetic Testing Kits- Data Security of Genetic Tests- Major Data Breaches- GEDmatch’s Role in Identifying the Golden State Killer- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)- Data Privacy Responsibility of Genetic Testing Companies (DTC and medical grade)- Continued Explosion of Direct To Consumer Genetic Testing (100 million consumers by 2021)- Kira’s Experience with Secret Sequence Genetic Testing KitsFor $25 off two or more kits use promo code, “DNAToday” at secretsequence.com. See what else they are up to on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Have questions for them? Give them a ring at 833-Secret3.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today or go back and listen to over 100 other episodes! New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some

TLDR: Nominate “DNA Today” in the Podcast Awards’ Science & Medicine Category before July 31st. I have a big favor to ask from each of you. You may have heard in my last episode, the Podcast Award nomination season has begun! It’s a people’s choice type of award. So, I need listeners like you to nominate the show in the Science and Medicine category. DNA Today was nominated back in 2015 and 2016. And it would be such an honor to be nominated again.In order to be in the running though, I need 2 minutes of your time. It’s very simple, here are the steps!PodcastAwards.comClick Blue Button “Nominations Now Open” (or click this direct link)Sign up (name, email, password)Enter the verification code from your emailScroll down to Science and Medicine Category on the leftSelect “DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast”Nominate any other of your favorite showsClick “Save Nominations”Post on social media that you nominated DNA Today and tag me for a retweet/share and follow back!Nominations close on July 31st, 2019. But don’t

Listeners, I have a big favor to ask from all of you. The Podcast Award nomination season has begun! It’s a people’s choice type of award. In order to be in the running I need listeners like you to nominate the show. DNA Today was nominated back in 2015 and 2016. It would be such an honor to be nominated again.In order to be in the running though, I need 2 minutes of your time. It’s very simple…Go to PodcastAwards.com and enter “DNA Today” for the Science and Medicine category. That’s it!Now this closes July 31st, 2019. Don’t forget, if you can please go nominate the show if you enjoy listening! It really helps to increase visibility so other people can also benefit from learning through the show. Thanks in advance! I really appreciate the support for the show.The Camden Opioid Research Initiative has a three pronged approach as outlined below.1) A biobank for blood and brain samples taken from people who have died from overdose as well as family members who are interested in donating.2) A prospective clinica

On This Episode We Discuss:Services WatershedDNA OffersMotivation Behind Writing “The DNA Guide for Adoptees”Differences in Genealogical Research for Adoptees Compared to General PopulationPreparing to Meet New Biological Family MembersAdvice for DNA Testing Adoptee Related SearchesDNA Testing for Children/Minors to Find Biological RelativesInsight for Adoptee’s Seeking Medical Information via DNA TestingNon-DNA Methods to Search for Lost Biological RelativesMy Heritage’s DNA Quest Project for AdopteesListen to episode #80 with My Heritage’s Rafi Mendelsohn to learn more.Since recording this project has expanded to offer more free kits!Resources for the Adoptee/Donor CommunityFacebook Groups: DNA Detectives and Adoption Search and ReunionAdopteeRightsLaw.comLook out for our “The DNA Guide For Adoptees” book giveaway in the next couple days on social media (links below)!Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month. See what else I am up to on Twit

Seth Rotberg, a rare disease patient advocate and motivational speaker, joins the show to share his perspective on Huntington Disease (HD).From 2011 – 2015, Seth served on the boards for the HDSA National Youth Alliance (NYA) and HDSA Massachusetts Chapter to continue his efforts in the HD community. He became the President of the HDSA NYA in 2012 and HDSA Massachusetts Chapter in 2013, where he led a group of dedicated volunteers to plan and execute fundraising and educational events.Seth is still an active member of the Huntington Disease community and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization (HDYO). As a member of the working board, he connects young people to the proper social, emotional, and educational resources needed when coping with HD. His hope is to be a mentor for young people who face adversity by sharing how taking control of his HD journey has given him opportunity, fulfillment, and hope.On This Episode We Discuss:-How Huntington Disease Affects th

Happy Genetic Counseling Match Day! Today we are celebrating the genetic counseling graduate program match day by discussing how to prepare and what to expect during the first year. We also provide advice for applicants that didn’t match in this cycle and offer inspiration to apply next round.In a way this is a follow up episode from the application process discussions. If you are thinking about or planning on applying to genetic counseling grad schools check out those episodes. Episode 87 was the first part of this conversation where we discussed how to gather the experience and classes to have a competitive application. We also surveyed over 50 incoming genetic counseling students (enrolling Fall 2018) who went through the last application process, which was also the first time the Match System was used. In episode 97, the panel discussed the second portion of the application cycle: interviews, ranking, and matching.On This Episode We Discuss:Classes to Take to Fulfill Prerequisites before EnrollingManaging

This show is a landmark episode, number 100! I want to sincerely thank all you listeners, new and old, for tuning in. It’s been such a fantastic experience over the last 7 years to share news and interviews with you all and learn along with you. I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to the shows as much as I have have enjoyed recording and producing them.Author Carl Zimmer joins me to discuss new and old hereditary concepts. He writes the Matter column for the New York Times and has contributed to The Atlantic, National Geographic, Time and Scientific America. He has won the Stephen Jay Gould Prize among many other honors for his journalism. Zimmer teaches science writing at Yale University. His books include Parasite Rex, Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea, Microcosm: E. coli and the New Science of Life, and his latest, She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity which we discuss on this episode. She Has Her Mother’s Laugh has been named the 2018 science book of the year by the Gu