We explore a remarkable story of genetics, family history, and groundbreaking research with Dr. Susan Liebman and Dr. Elizabeth McNally. Together, they’ve identified a genetic mutation with life-saving implications for families affected by inherited heart conditions, like Dr. Liebman’s own.   Meet Our Guests: Dr. Susan Liebman is a trailblazing molecular geneticist who uses yeast as a model organism to study prions and human protein misfolding diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s. Her...

We’re back from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 Annual Meeting in beautiful Denver, Colorado! This episode recaps the highlights, discussions, and discoveries from five packed days of cutting-edge genetics and genomics science. Every year, ASHG brings together researchers, clinicians, students, and industry leaders to share advancements, and this year was no exception.   In this recap, our Kira Dineen reflects on the vibrant atmosphere at ASHG and shares conversations with...

Dr. Joanne Donovan, Chief Medical Officer at Edgewise Therapeutics, join the show to discuss Becker Muscular Dystrophy (Becker) and emerging treatments.   We dive into Dr. Donovan’s role at Edgewise and the company’s research into treatments for Becker and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. At the forefront of this research is sevasemten, an investigational fast myosin inhibitor designed to combat contraction-induced muscle injury, which plays a significant role in muscle deterioration for those...

We are learning about an exciting, newer career in the genomics field: genome health analyst. This role is rapidly gaining importance as the demand for interpreting personal genomic data continues to grow, and healthcare systems need more professionals trained to make this data clinically actionable.    Joining us are Dr. Claire Davis and Anna Cantor, Co-Directors of the new Master's of Science in Genome Health Analysis program, which is a collaboration between NYU Grossman School of Medicine...

We're excited to announce the launch of our new Mock Genetic Counseling Session series! In our first installment, genetic counselor Catherine Mayo and student Ariel Modeste perform a mock cancer genetic counseling session, offering insight into how genetic testing for cancer risks is discussed with patients. This session was recorded in person, providing a more dynamic and engaging learning experience therefore, we highly recommend watching it on YouTube to fully immerse yourself in the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...