We explore the powerful work of Father Founded, an organization dedicated to reuniting Amerasian families separated by war. It shares the heartwarming story of Scott McMullen, a retired firefighter and veteran, who discovered his long-lost daughter through the group's efforts. Marny Klump, a dedicated volunteer, uses her skills in genetic genealogy to help Amerasians locate their biological fathers across continents. I do want to offer a warning that our conversation includes sensitive topics li...
Oct 11, 2024•42 min•Ep. 311
Two-time Emmy-winning celebrity chef Sandra Lee joins the show. Known for her innovative “Semi-Homemade” cooking style that revolutionized how millions approach the kitchen, Sandra is not just a culinary icon but also a dedicated advocate for health and wellness. In honor or breast cancer awareness month, we chat about her courage and openness in sharing her personal battle with breast cancer, most notably through her raw and impactful HBO documentary “RX: Early Detection – A Cancer Journey with...
Oct 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 309
After discovering she’s a carrier for Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes, host Kira Dineen sought out to learn more. She met a leading expert in CMS, Dr. Hanns Lochmüller. Dr. Lochmüller is a neurologist and clinical academic specializing in genetic neuromuscular disorders and rare diseases. He is a Senior Scientist at CHEO Research Institute. He is also a Professor of Neurology at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and The Ottawa Hospital Department of Medicine. CMS is a group of rare in...
Sep 27, 2024•20 min•Ep. 308
We’re recapping and reflecting on the 43rd National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Annual Conference that took place in vibrant New Orleans. As always, the sense of community was incredible, and this year was no exception. I had the privilege of reconnecting with past guests, sponsors of the show, classmates, and meeting new people. It’s always surreal to meet so many listeners in person—thank you for all your kind words and support! Producing a weekly episode since 2022 has been a labor o...
Sep 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 307
In this special episode of DNA Today, we are honored to be joined by one of the most influential figures in modern science, Dr. Francis Collins. Dr. Collins served as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during one of the most critical periods in modern history, including the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also renowned for leading the monumental Human Genome Project, a landmark achievement that revolutionized genetics. Dr. Collins's groundbreaking work includes the di...
Sep 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 306
On Episodes #288 and #289 of DNA Today, I spoke with Victoria Gray, the first person treated with CRISPR for her Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) symptoms. Since then, I’ve met two amazing patient advocates—Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks—who also have Sickle Cell Disease. They've expanded my understanding of gene therapy and other emerging treatments for SCD, and perfect timing to kick off Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month this September. In this episode, Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks share their ...
Sep 06, 2024•42 min•Ep. 305
Content/Trigger Warning: This conversation includes sensitive topics of sexual abuse, violence, suicide, and homicide. It is not suitable for younger audiences. We delve into the complex and deeply personal story of the Galvin family, which has played a significant role in the history of schizophrenia research. Our guest, Lindsay Mary Galvin Rauch, is the youngest of twelve siblings in the Galvin family, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Their family's genetic material has been a co...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 304
We have wanted to explore the role of RNA analysis in genetic testing for a long time on DNA Today, but waited until we could get THE leader in the space, Ambry Genetics. The Vice President of Research and Development and head of their Translational Genomics lab, Dr. Rachid Karam, was kind enough to come on to have this long awaited conversation. We'll discuss Ambry Genetics' history of innovation in RNA testing, how it has increased diagnostic yield and reduced Variants of Uncertain Significanc...
Aug 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 303
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 gender-diverse (TGD) individuals face in accessing hereditary cancer care. You can find these articles in a...
Aug 17, 2024•45 min•Ep. 302
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 Hopkins University School of Medicine. She handles patient inquiries, coordinates the Little People of A...
Aug 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 301
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 ranked in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide, has won the Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award for thre...
Aug 03, 2024•31 sec
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 series that captures the impact one sperm donor has had on hundreds, or more likely thousands, of famil...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 300
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 functional evaluation of novel variants identified in early-onset epilepsy. Kari enjoys science commun...
Jul 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 299
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 Southern California University of Health Sciences. Her previous roles in insurance include being the firs...
Jul 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 298
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 innovative program and its impact on patient care. Dr. Elizabeth Chao is a board-certified geneticist a...
Jul 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 297
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 of Division of Computational Genetics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Children's Ho...
Jul 05, 2024•46 min•Ep. 296
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 and discuss the process of exam development, addressing issues, and adapting the exam to be more inclu...
Jun 28, 2024•52 min•Ep. 295
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 Director of the Perini Family Survivors Center and the David B. Perini Jr. Quality of Life Clinic at...
Jun 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 294
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, and a mother to four teenagers and young adults. She divides her time between painting and advocacy ...
Jun 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 293
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’ technology, TALEN®, can make very precise edits, with limited to no off-target effects and we are learning...
Jun 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 292
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 others. Discussion Topics Dan's Diagnosis and Perspective: Diagnosed at age 51 with no symptoms and n...
May 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 291
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 landscape of bioethics within genetics has evolved over the years. CRISPR Technology: Ethical conce...
May 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 290
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 sickle cell pain crisis and the medical racism she faced. If you haven’t heard this episode yet, we very mu...
May 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 289
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 she has been featured in nearly every major publication including PBS, NPR, Forbes, New York Times, and ...
May 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 288
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 termed as incidental or unexpected results, can have profound implications for individuals and their fa...
May 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 287
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. Said Ismail. Dr. Ismail was pivotal to the establishment of the Qatar Genome Program -- a groundbreakin...
Apr 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 286
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 the transformative potential of AI in genetics, focusing on its role in variant curation and diagnostic ...
Apr 19, 2024•33 min•Ep. 285
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 Laura Hercher’s Scientific American article , “How Arguments that Embryos Are People Pose a Threat to IVF''. ...
Apr 12, 2024•40 min•Ep. 284
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 genetic testing in cardiac conditions, offering valuable insights into familial risk assessment, interve...
Apr 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 283
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 experience neurocognitive changes even though they may appear to be “asymptomatic” or have mild sympt...
Mar 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 282
