Dna Today: A Genetics Podcast

Two leaders from the Coriell Institute for Medical Research join the show to discuss biobanking. Nahid Turan, Chief Laboratory Officer, and Alissa Resch, Chief Scientific Officer, lead separate aspects of the Institute scientific efforts.Coriell is known for its impact in the world of biobanking. If you’ve ordered biological materials in the past for research, there’s a good chance you’ve ordered from them before. In its 65 year history, Coriell has partnered with many federal, private and nonprofit organizations, offering expertise in the collection, processing, storage and distribution of biological materials, and in the process built one of the most diverse and important collections of biomaterials in the world. It’s because of their collection that endeavors like the Human Genome Project were possible and that the science of personalized medicine thrives today.On This Episode We Discuss:Definition of Biobanking and ProcessSample Tissue and Species TypesNumber of SamplesDisease RepresentationApproach to Fi

To celebrate and honor Rare Disease Awareness month (February) Lydia Seiders joins me on the show. She is a volunteer Maryland State Ambassador for NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, through NORD’s advocacy arm the Rare Action Network. Her daughter was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a form of bone marrow failure. This motivated Lydia to become an Ambassador for NORD. In this role, she leads about 200 network members across the state to raise awareness for approximately 600,000 patients affected by a rare disorder. Lydia leads educational initiatives and develops state-based campaigns to increase patient awareness. She partners with advocates nationwide to act on policy impacting the rare disease community.Lydia also works closely with the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation and the national bone marrow registry - Be the Match. She assists patients and families globally obtain reputable resources for bone marrow failure. Most recently she began collaborating with RARE Revolution

A panel of four incoming genetic counseling graduate schools discuss the application process. This is part two of two podcasts, discussing the second portion of the application cycle: interviews, ranking, and matching. 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. Their feedback has also been summarized on episode 87’s blog post . We hope prospective and applying students find this summary and these two episodes helpful!On This Episode We Discuss:Overall Application TimelineSchools Applied vs Interviews Invites ReceivedPreparation Strategies for InterviewsA Typically Interview Day ScheduleTypes of Interview QuestionsMethods to Keep Track of Schools/InterviewsHow the Match System WorksFactors Used to Assess and Rank ProgramsReas

Jim Cavan, CEO and President of Backpack Health is featured on this episode. He has great passion for helping healthcare companies tackle systemic problems, and 20 years of executive health research and startup leadership experience. The development of Backpack Health is the result of several key goals of his, including improved access to and control of medical information, and less obtrusive collection of research data.Backpack Health is a mobile and cloud-based app that helps people with chronic, serious and rare health concerns better manage their health journeys. The Backpack Health mission is to empower patients by making it easy for them to access, own and control all their health information to support better health for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Just like a real backpack, the portable, multimodal, multilingual app allows users to carry around what matters most – their personalized, comprehensive medical information and documents – in one central location. Backpack Health also

Author Laura Kieger and her son, Dr. Alexander Kieger, share their family’s courageous, century-long struggle with a rare genetic cancer syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.Familial adenomatous polyposis is a rare, genetic cancer predisposition syndrome caused by a deletion mutation in the APC gene on chromosome 5. By the age of 40, nearly 99% of untreated patients will develop cancer.This is the dark shadow that has lingered over their family since at least 1911, when Mary Regan Baker was seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for symptoms of a disorder that would become commonplace in her descendants.Through deeply touching personal stories of love, heartbreak, and hope, Laura’s book, Summer’s Complaint, explores the meaning of family and how tragic loss leads to the remaking of life in the face of a rare genetic mutation.Laura obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) and a Master’s degree in Human Development from St. Mary’s University. Dr. Alexander Kiege

Dr. Biju Parekkadan is a Co-Creator and Scientific Director of the hard science graphic novel, Legend of Sumeria. He is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering with a research lab that specializes in cell and genetic engineering. His discoveries have been published in prestigious journals with patented inventions that have led to the foundation of several companies. He received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a doctorate from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. In 2012, he was recognized by President Obama with an Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed upon young researchers in the country. Dr. Parekkadan’s daily work in biotechnology research and education provides a unique perspective in the creation of the viable science behind Legend of Sumeria.This Episode We Discuss:The Premise of Legend of SumeriaInspiration to Start the Graphic NovelAutoimmunity on the Molecular/Genetic LevelConveying Scientific ConceptsThe Current and Future

Members from Team Telomere (formerly DC Outreach), a community for telomere biology disorders join me for this episode. This panel includes patient advocate Katie Stevens, Dr. Sharen Savage, and Dr. Suneet Agarwal. They provide information and support services to families worldwide who are affected by these disorders, encourage the medical community’s research in finding causes and effective treatments, and facilitate improved diagnosis by educating medical providers.Katie Stevens is the Executive Director of Team Telomere. Her oldest child, Riley, is affected by a telomere disorder. Katie’s goal is to be an advocate and resource. She is also a member of Global Genes Foundation Alliance Advisory Council and a NORD member leader.Dr. Sharon Savage is the Chief of the Clinical Genetics Branch in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She leads clinical, genetic, and epidemiologic studies of individuals and families at high risk of cancer. Dr. Savage’s research pr

Dr. Erin Young discusses the role genetics play in pain susceptibilities. She is an Assistant Professor of both the School of Nursing and Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Her career has been focused on studying genetic contributions to pain susceptibility, for which she has published numerous papers sharing her findings. She received her BA at Wesleyan College, and her MA and PhD at Kent State University. She also completed two postdoctoral fellowships, at Texas A&M University and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research.This Episode We DiscussThe Role Genetics Plays in our Experience of PainWhy People have Differences in Pain ResponsesGenes and Pathways Involved in PainEnvironment Factors Affecting Pain SusceptibilitySomatic vs. Visceral Pain BehaviorsPain Mechanisms Behind Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Animals Models Used and Translating Findings to Human PainOpportunities for Integrating Genetic Analysis into Precision Healthcare InitiativesTo learn more ab

Ellen Matloff is the President and CEO of My Gene Counsel. Ellen is the founder and former director of the Cancer Genetic Counseling Program at Yale School of Medicine.Ellen has authored more than 50 scientific publications in the field, is an established educator, lecturer and media spokesperson and has received national awards for her ongoing patient advocacy efforts. She is an outspoken patient advocate in many areas, most notably as a plaintiff in the 2013 BRCA gene patent case that went before the Supreme Court. This decision has led to drastically lower prices of genetic testing, making it possible for more patients to afford this technology. Ellen is a Forbes.com contributor in the area of genetic counseling, testing, and digital health.As genetic testing became more common and also more complex, she has served as the senior author on several publications since 2010, all documenting errors in the interpretation of genetic test results, from all over the US and Canada. From these experiences, Ellen crea

Erica Ramos is the 2018 President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). She builds products, programs and strategy in the genomics and genetic counseling arenas with expertise in rare disease and predictive genome sequencing. Erica is currently director and head of Clinical & Business Development for Geisinger National Precision Health.This Episode We Discuss:Elevator Pitch of Genetic CounselingRamos’ Career BackgroundGoal of NSGCRamos’ role as President of NSGCBiggest Challenges in the Genetic Counseling Field2018 NSGC Professional Status SurveyExecutive Summary Available to Public94% of GCs who took part in NSGC’s 2018 professional status survey reported being satisfied with the profession.An average full-time GC earns a salary of $88,000 USD.There are over 4,600 certified GCs in North America, this is an increase of 95% compared to the number just 10 years ago in 2008.There are 43 accredited graduate level training programs in North America.Growth rate of the career between 2016-2026 is

Dr. Andrew Ury is the CEO and Founder of ActX, one of the leading companies in electronic health record integrated genomic decision support. He previously founded and was CEO of the first commercial electronic medical record company, Practice Partner. He is also the co-founder of one of the leading practice-based research networks, PPrNet. Dr. Ury helped found and was twice the vice-chair of the Electronic Health Record Assoc (EHRA). He is a graduate of Stanford Medical School.This Episode We Discuss:Definition of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)EHRs History, Evolution and FutureDr. Ury’s Perspective as a Founder of the TechnologyCurrent EHR Methods and SystemsActX’s Role in Integrating EHRs in Genomic Decision SupportDirect-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic TestingFocused vs Broad ScreeningFDA Regulation on DTC Genetic TestingPharmacogenomics and TestingFuture Predictions of Integrated Personalized Medicine and Patients’ RoleWant to learn more about ActX? Check out their website, Facebook page, and Twitter account.S

Ira S. Pastor is the CEO of Bioquark, a life sciences company, developing proprietary combinatorial biologics for the regeneration and repair of human organs and tissues. Ira has over 30 years of pharmaceutical experience. He serves as a board member at multiple companies and organizations including RengerAge, the Reanima Project, The World Academy of Medical Science and the World Economic Forum’s Human Enhancement.This Episode We Discuss…Regeneration and repair of human organs and tissuesNatural regenerative capability of humansEffect of agePotential role of telomeraseBioquark’s area of focus in regenerationConditions that could potentially benefit from regeneration researchGenetics role in regenerationResearch on animals regenerative abilitiesGrowing organs outside the human body and its impact on the organ donor systemSomatic reversion and how it differs from other gene therapiesLearn more on Bioquark’s website and stay updated by following them on Facebook.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today

A panel of four incoming genetic counseling graduate schools discuss the application process. This is part one of two podcasts, discussing how to gather the experience and classes to have a competitive application. Early next year (2019) we will also release a follow up episode focusing on the second part of the application process: interviews, ranking and matching.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. Their feedback has been summarized on the blog post with this episode on DNApodcast.com. We hope prospective and applying students find this summary and episode helpful!The Incoming Genetic Counseling Student PanelKira Dineen hosts DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast (and radio show), which was founded in 2012 and features over 85 episodes interviewing genetic counselors, patient advocates and other genetic experts. The show was nominated in the 2015 and 2016 Podcast Aw

Dr. Michael Fossel is the world’s foremost expert on the clinical use of telomerase for age-related diseases. In 1996, he wrote the first book on the telomerase theory of aging, Reversing Human Aging, and has published the sole medical textbook on the topic. Most recently he published The Telomerase Revolution which was named one of the five best science books of the year by the Wall Street Journal.Dr. Fossel earned his PhD and MD from Stanford University, where he taught neurobiology and research methods. He has lectured at the National Institutes of Health and the Smithsonian Institution and has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, BBC, and NPR among others. He is currently working to bring telomerase to human trials for Alzheimer's disease with his company, Telocyte.On This Episode We Discuss…Telomere theory of agingAge related diseases telomerase potentially prevent/treatTelomerase product effects on cancer preventionCommon misconceptions of agingChanging public perspective on the potential of reversing

Sarah McAnulty is a squid biologist and science communicator. She founded Skype A Scientist, matching classrooms with scientists for QnA sessions. Sarah is also a Ph.D. Candidate and Scientist at the University of Connecticut. She studies squids and their symbiosis with bioluminescent bacteria.On This Episode We Discuss:Skype A ScientistEffect ways to communicate scienceDifferences between squid species, which ones Sarah works withSquid research goalsThe symbiosis relationship between the squid and bacteriaSquid’s blood, microbiome, and immune systemSarah’s inspiration to pursue a squid research careerAdvice/resources for students interested researchSarah is very active on Twitter and Instagram providing squid fun facts, videos, pictures and really everything cephalopod related. She also has a Tumblr, Youtube page and website for even more information.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on July 20th, 2018. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am u

In this podcast discussion we peek into the world projected by J.D. Lasica in his new genetics thriller novel, Biohack. We consider and debate a few ethical issues that arise in the book focusing on the potential implications CRISPR has for our future.J. D. Lasica is an author, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and public speaker. He spoke at the United Nations in 2012 about how to use social media to combat global poverty, and he has given talks on four continents. His new book Biohack is a high-tech genetics thriller.Dr. Katie Hasson, is the Program Director on Genetic Justice at the Center for Genetics and Society. She was an assistant professor of sociology and gender studies at the University of Southern California. She has researched and written on reproductive technologies and women’s health.On This Episode We Discuss:The genetics thriller novel Biohack and the bioethical issues it raisesPotential scientific advances with CRISPR technologyThe bioethical implications of those advancementsWhich countries these

Alexander Ille, the Director of the Genome Cure Organization, joins me on this podcast episode. He received a Bachelors of Science from University of Waterloo and is currently a graduate student at D'Youville College, actively participating in genetic research. He also wrote a book, “The Genome Cure: The Future of Medicine for Alzheimer's, Cancer, Diabetes and more”.Alex founded the Genome Cure Organization in 2016 and is enthusiastic about genomic research and its medical implications. This mission of his organization is to push towards finding cures for a multitude of diseases through the advancement of gene therapy and gene editing.On This Episode We Discuss:Hereditary component of Alzheimer's DiseasePrevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease in the populations and how many people affectedTreatment options for people with Alzheimer’s DiseaseGenome Cure Organization’s efforts to make a difference in the Alzheimer’s DiseaseRecent research published about Alzheimer'sThe process of researching new treatments and a pote

A panel of guest from Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine in Huntsville, Alabama joins me for this episode exploring the power of whole genome sequencing for patients with undiagnosed diseases.On This Episode We Discuss:Whole genome sequencing (WGS) vs exome sequencingQualifications for patient to receive WGSNext steps after a “negative WGS”Value of WGS for patients not seeking a diagnosisHero fund to help families afford testingPredictions of the future use of WGSGenetic counselors role at the clinicApproach to explain testing to patientsNext steps for an untreatable/incurable diagnosisInteresting case studiesIncidental and secondary findings from WGSDr. David Bick is a board-certified clinical geneticist and clinical molecular geneticist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He sees patients and families who are struggling with a rare undiagnosed or misdiagnosed disease, and are considering genetic testing - specifically, whole genome sequencing.Carol Aiken is a certified medical practice administ

Irina Brooke joins me for this podcast episode. She is an patient advocate with the mission of supporting people with BRCA mutations and educating the public on this testing and how it can empower healthcare decisions.On This Episode We Discuss…Deciding to pursue genetic testing and resultsQualifications for having a strong family history of ovarian, breast and/or prostate cancerThe risk of passing on a BRCA mutation to a childMales inheriting gene mutationsGenetic counseling process and experienceCancer development risk level for people who have BRCA gene mutationsBeyond BRCA, additional gene mutations that increases one’s risk for developing cancerOptions for preventing and monitoring cancerRecovering from breast cancerSupport systems availableGetting involved in the patient advocacy communityBRCA community terms (previvor, mutantvivor, etc.)Advice to those with family history of cancer and those who have a BRCA mutationCheck out Irina’s Instagram, Facebook page, and Facebook group for women in the heredita

Rafi Mendelsohn is the Director of Public Relations and Social Media at MyHeritage. MyHeritage is the largest family history and DNA company that helps consumers to discover their ethnic origins and find new relatives. Their new pro bono initiative, DNA Quest, is currently helping adoptees and their birth families reunite through genetic testing, which we explore in this podcast episode. This offer is only available through the end of April 2018! Apply today for one of 15,000 free DNA kits. Learn more on MyHeritage's blog.  On This Episode We Discuss:-How the project started-Who is eligible and how to apply for this free testing-What is required for the testing-The timeline of the project-The number of people who find their biological relatives through MyHeritage-Information provided in the MyHeritage results-New updates and innovations from My Heritage Don’t forget that April 25th is DNA Day! Check out my episode all about the history of the day and other fun facts.Stay tuned for the next new episo