DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

As many of our listeners know, our host Kira Dineen is a member of the LGBQTIA+ community and thought this was an important episode to share with listeners. She is also on the DNA Dialogues team and is always excited to share episodes.    In this episode of DNA Dialogues we delve into the importance of gender-inclusive language in genetic counseling and the specific challenges transgender and gend...

Colleen Gioffreda was such a dynamic and charismatic guest in this episode of “ It Happened To Me ” we had to share it on DNA Today! Our host Kira Dineen is the Executive Producer on this podcast and joins as a guest host in this episode.    Colleen is the Clinical Operations Program Administrator for the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias in the Department of Genetic Medicine at the Johns H...

Discover New Advances in the world of genetics. From genetic technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research. For over a decade host Kira Dineen has chatted with leaders in genetics like NBC’s Maury Povich, BBC’s Dr. Adam Rutherford, NIH’s Dr. Eric Green, NYT’s Carl Zimmer, NYU’s Dr. Arthur Caplan, NYer’s Dani Shapiro, and descendents of Henrietta Lacks.  The show has consistently been ran...

How many biological children can one sperm donor create? What are the regulations surrounding donor sperm? How can prospective parents verify the sperm donor they selected is in fact the sperm they used to conceive?   The answers are shocking.   For two weeks “ The Man With 1,000 Kids ” was #1 on Netflix. As of this recording in late July 2024, it has amassed 5.5 million views. It is a documentary...

We are delving into the genetic causes of epilepsy in this episode, specifically the role of ATP6V0C in epilepsy. To do so we are joined by Dr. Kari Mattison, Dr. Luis Miguel Oliveira, and Ana Rita.    Kari Mattison, PhD is a research scientist at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She earned her PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University where her dissertation work was on...

Did you know genetic counselors can work for medical insurance companies?    Stephanie Gandomi was one of the first! She is a licensed and board-certified genetic counselor with over 20 years of experience in medical genomics including patient care, research, industry, insurance, education, and more. Currently, she serves as the Program Director of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at So...

In this episode, we are exploring Ambry Genetics' groundbreaking “Patient for Life” proactive exome reanalysis program. This unique initiative offers lifetime support to patients with rare and undiagnosed conditions, continuously updating their exome testing findings as new scientific discoveries are made.   Joining us are two distinguished experts from Ambry Genetics who will shed light on this i...

In this special episode, Kristina Inman, a recent graduate of Sarah Lawrence College's genetic counseling program, interviews Dr. John Greally, a leading figure in the field of genetics and pediatrics. Kristina Inman delves into Dr. Greally’s groundbreaking work and personal journey.    Dr. John Greally, is the director of the Center for Epigenomics, Professor of Genetics and Pediatrics, and Chief...

We explore the genetic counseling board exam, its development, delivery, and resources available to test takers by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) directly! There is so much to cover so this is a DOUBLE EPISODE of DNA Today.    Joining us in this episode is ABGC’s current President, Angela Trepanier, and the Executive Director, Heather Rich. They provide an insider look at the exam...

In this episode we explore the emerging field of newborn screening for cancer predisposition with Dr. Lisa Diller from Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s. What’s special about this podcast episode? Two Sarah Lawrence Genetic Counseling students took over! Great job to Jessica Fernandes and Yalda Safaei on this interview. Dr. Lisa Diller is the Vice Chair of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and the...

In this episode, we explore the rare genetic disorder Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) with our guest, Scotti Taylor. Scotti shares her personal journey and insights about her oldest daughter, Drew, who was diagnosed with SMS. Join us as we learn about the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with SMS and their families.   Scotti Taylor (she/her) is a fine artist based in Oceanside, California...

The real power of gene editing is being able to choose exactly where to edit a genetic disorder, as easily as correcting a tiny typo in a text.   With its 25 years of expertise, Cellectis was the first company to translate gene editing tools into potentially life-saving therapies. They invented the allogeneic approach (which is the transfer of cells from one individual to another). Cellectis’ tech...

In this episode, we are joined by Dan Dry Dock Shockley, a retired Navy veteran and advocate living with a hereditary colon cancer syndrome. Dan’s journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for hereditary cancer awareness is both inspiring and educational. Tune in as we delve into his personal experiences, the importance of early detection, and his ongoing mission to educate o...

To discuss ethics in genetics, we are honored to host Dr. Arthur Caplan (he/him), a renowned bioethicist and a pivotal figure in the field of medical ethics. He is currently the Drs. William F and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU School of Medicine in New York City. Topics Covered: Evolution of Bioethics in Genetics: Insights into how the...

Victoria is a patient advocate and international speaker from Mississippi. She is also a wife and mother of four children. Since being treated with CRISPR she has been featured in nearly every major publication including PBS, NPR, Forbes, Good Morning America, New York Times, and more.    In the first part of our conversation she shared about her experiences prior to being cured including her sick...

It has happened. CRISPR has been successfully used to treat sickle cell, we’d even venture to use the term cure. And today we are talking with the first person in the world who was cured from a genetic condition using CRISPR, Victoria Gray!    Victoria is a patient advocate and international speaker from Mississippi. She is also a wife and mother of four children. Since being treated with CRISPR s...

We dive into the journey of a family who unexpectedly discovered a genetic condition and the pivotal role that research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) played in their understanding and treatment. Joining us are Jess, a patient with a secondary genetic finding, and her genetic counselor, Julie Sapp, from the National Human Genome Research Institute.   Secondary genetic findings, often t...

We have an international perspective in this episode who is a leader in genetics in Qatar. We previously talked to the first certified genetic counselor in Qatar, Shenela Lakhani, in Episode #109 . If you haven’t yet we encourage you to check that interview out.   In this episode, We learn about the Qatar Genome Program (QGP), which is part of the Qatar Foundation, from the Director himself, Dr. S...

In our most streamed episode of 2023, we delved into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on genetics with Daniel Uribe, the founder and CEO of GenoBank.io . Now, Daniel returns to the show to provide us with insights into the latest advancements in AI technology and its applications in genetics.   In Episode #231 , Daniel Uribe and our host Kira Dineen discussed th...

Trigger warning: In this episode sensitive topics are discussed including, but not limited to, miscarriage, sexual abuse, manslaughter, and child abuse.    On February 16th, 2024 the Alabama Supreme Court brought fertility care in that state to a screeching halt—and started a national conversation—by declaring that frozen embryos were people in the eyes of the law.   This is the first line of Laur...

We delve into the intricate intersection of genetics and cardiac health, exploring the profound impact of genetic insights on patient care and treatment decisions. Joining us are two distinguished guests from Blueprint Genetics, Julie Hathaway and Susan Christian, both seasoned genetic counselors specializing in cardiovascular health. Their expertise promises to illuminate the complexities of gene...

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTC-D) is the most common urea cycle disorder (UCD) and is inherited in an X-linked manner. Females with OTC-D are affected to varying degrees. Some female patients will develop chronic and nonspecific symptoms, such as headaches, and all women with OTC-D are at risk of experiencing hyperammonemic crises. Additionally, recent studies suggest these women can e...

A physician-scientist father shares his heartbreaking story of the death of his daughter who was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease and how it motivated him to become the CEO of JScreen to prevent this experience in other families.    This episode was originally recorded for another podcast Kira Dineen produces, It Happened To Me , and which is hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman.    Matt G...

National Down Syndrome Awareness day is just around the corner on March 21st, since it’s the 21st day of the third month (a reference to the three copies of chromosome 21).    To learn more about the condition and community we are joined by patient advocate, parent and Nurse, Jenness Stock. Jenness Stock (she/her) is a Nationally Certified School Nurse with a Masters Degree in Nursing Education. S...

We are excited to welcome on the show Lori Bassett, a board-certified genetic counselor and the Director of Communications at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC). As GGC commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, Lori joins us to shed light on the center's remarkable journey, achievements, and contributions to the field of genetics.   Lori Bassett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ou...