DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

#383 Inside the Brazilian Rare Genomes Project

As Rare Disease Month comes to a close and Rare Disease Day approaches, we are turning our focus beyond the United States to explore what rare disease care looks like in Brazil, and how genomics is reshaping the diagnostic journey.
 
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the rare disease landscape in Brazil, including how patients access genetic testing within a public healthcare system, the barriers families face compared to those in the U.S., and how whole genome sequencing (WGS) is accelerating diagnoses that once took years or even decades.
 
Joining us is Dr. João Bosco de Oliveira Filho, a physician-scientist who helped lead Brazil’s national rare disease genomics initiative, Genomas Raros, and now continues this work through his laboratory, NeoGenomica. We’re also joined by Victor Camillo from MGI, who shares a global technology perspective on how large-scale sequencing efforts can expand access to rare disease diagnostics, especially in middle-income countries.
 
Together, we discuss:
How rare disease care in Brazil compares to the U.S.
Why whole genome sequencing is a game changer for undiagnosed patients
Lessons learned from national-scale genomics initiatives
The role of public–private partnerships in sustaining innovation
What the future holds for rare disease diagnostics worldwide
Relevant Resources: 
MGI Tech
MGI’s Sequencing Platforms 
NeoGenomica
NeoGenomica implements the world's most powerful genetic test, focusing on accuracy and speed in diagnoses.
100,000 Genomes Project by Genomics England
Coelho, A. V. C., Mascaro-Cordeiro, B., Lucon, D. R., Nóbrega, M. S., de Souza Reis, R., Bertollo de Alexandre, R., Moura, L. M. S., Oliveira, G. S., Guedes, R. L. M., Caraciolo, M. P., Zurro, N. B., Cervato, M. C., & Oliveira, J. B. (2022). The Brazilian Rare Genomes Project: Validation of Whole Genome Sequencing for Rare Diseases Diagnosis. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 9, Article 821582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.821582
Wojcik MH, Lemire G, Berger E, Zaki MS, Wissmann M, Win W, White SM, Weisburd B, Wieczorek D, Waddell LB, Verboon JM, VanNoy GE, Töpf A, Tan TY, Syrbe S, Strehlow V, Straub V, Stenton SL, Snow H, Singer-Berk M, Silver J, Shril S, Seaby EG, Schneider R, Sankaran VG, Sanchis-Juan A, Russell KA, Reinson K, Ravenscroft G, Radtke M, Popp D, Polster T, Platzer K, Pierce EA, Place EM, Pajusalu S, Pais L, Õunap K, Osei-Owusu I, Opperman H, Okur V, Oja KT, O'Leary M, O'Heir E, Morel CF, Merkenschlager A, Marchant RG, Mangilog BE, Madden JA, MacArthur D, Lovgren A, Lerner-Ellis JP, Lin J, Laing N, Hildebrandt F, Hentschel J, Groopman E, Goodrich J, Gleeson JG, Ghaoui R, Genetti CA, Gburek-Augustat J, Gazda HT, Ganesh VS, Ganapathi M, Gallacher L, Fu JM, Evangelista E, England E, Donkervoort S, DiTroia S, Cooper ST, Chung WK, Christodoulou J, Chao KR, Cato LD, Bujakowska KM, Bryen SJ, Brand H, Bönnemann CG, Beggs AH, Baxter SM, Bartolomaeus T, Agrawal PB, Talkowski M, Austin-Tse C, Abou Jamra R, Rehm HL, O'Donnell-Luria A. Genome Sequencing for Diagnosing Rare Diseases. N Engl J Med. 2024 Jun 6;390(21):1985-1997. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2314761. PMID: 38838312; PMCID: PMC11350637.
 
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#285 AI To Enhance Variant Curation with Daniel Uribe
#355 How Genomics Is Transforming Rare Disease Diagnosis in Turkey with MGI Tech
#364 Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Italy: A Curated Gene Panel with MGI 
#379 Global Cancer Diagnostics: Building High-Quality Cancer Genomic Testing with MGI
 
Connect With Us: 
Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 380 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#382 “The Persistence Lab” Episode 1 — Can We Find Cures Faster?

We are ecstatic to finally share that our host Kira Dineen is also hosting a brand new podcast that just launched, The Persistence Lab. 
 
This podcast, sponsored by AbbVie, pulls back the curtain on the hard, human work of health care innovation. Each episode dives into a real problem in medicine or health care and follows the people who are working to develop solutions. With immersive sound design and a three-act structure that puts story first, this series showcases the fresh thinking, bold ideas, and the unexpected paths that help turn optimism into outcomes. For U.S. audiences only.
 
To celebrate the launch we are sharing the first episode with you here on DNA Today, but be sure you are following The Persistence Lab on your favorite podcast platform using this link!  Don’t miss all the episodes this season! 
 
In this first episode of “The Persistence Lab,” we set out to answer, can we find cures faster? 
 
Our health and well-being impact every element of our lives. For patients with some of the most difficult-to-treat medical conditions, a cure is what they’re hoping for. How can we accelerate drug development to spur progress and turn bold ideas into real breakthroughs? The Persistence Lab launches with this episode to look at how AbbVie is empowering scientists to boldly rethink what it means to cure disease and accelerate care for patients. Please note that this episode is intended for U.S. audiences only.
 
 
Episode Discussion Topics:
The importance of clear definitions: functional vs. complete cures
Why developing universal medical cures is incredibly complex 
The role of clinical trials in developing potential medical cures
How AbbVie’s Pathway to Cures program fosters collaboration and innovation
The transformative impact of precision medicine and reverse translation
How AI, machine learning, and digital tools are helping scientists in the discovery and development of potential therapies
The emotional and practical significance of potential medical cures for patients and scientists
Relevant Resources: 
Listen to The Persistence Lab
AbbVie: Pathway to Cures
AbbVie: Can We Find Cures Faster Article
AbbVie: AI & Data Convergence
 
Don’t forget to follow The Persistence Lab on your favorite podcast platform using this link!  

#381 Charles Darwin’s Legacy: What He Got Right & What Science Learned Next

In celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday on February 12th, we participated in Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County’s (HFFC) of Connecticut’s Darwin Day event! HFFC brought together science nerds to learn about evolution.
In this special live episode of DNA Today, we’re sharing highlights from HFFC’s 18th Annual Darwin Day Dinner in Connecticut, a celebration of curiosity, science, and scientists held the Saturday before Darwin’s birthday on February 12th. Our host Kira Dineen led a live fireside chat with the keynote speaker from the distinguished evolutionary biologist Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten. She also introduced Senator Richard Blumenthal who gave a speech about the importance of science now more than ever. 
Dr. Gogarten, a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut, is known for his groundbreaking work on the early evolution of life, horizontal gene transfer, and rooting the Tree of Life. His research has transformed how scientists understand microbial evolution and the complex genetic relationships that connect all living organisms.
This episode captures select moments from the live Darwin Day program, where we explore how Charles Darwin’s famous concept of the “entangled bank” still shapes modern evolutionary biology, and where today’s science has gone far beyond what Darwin could have imagined.
Together, Kira Dineen and Dr. J Peter Gogarten discuss what Darwin got right about natural selection, what modern genomics has revealed about rapid evolutionary change, and why horizontal gene transfer continues to reshape our understanding of how life evolves. The conversation also touches on real-world applications, from antibiotic resistance to emerging genetic technologies, and how curiosity drives scientific discovery across generations.
The evening also featured reflections on the importance of science, humanism, and evidence-based thinking, highlighting the enduring relevance of Darwin’s ideas in today’s world.
 
Topics Discussed In This Episode:
An introduction to Darwin’s life, his voyage on the HMS Beagle, and the creation of On the Origin of Species
Exploration of natural selection and Darwin’s enduring influence on modern biology
How the understanding of genetics, from Mendel to genomics, expands Darwin’s theories
The role of horizontal gene transfer in microbial evolution and its significance
Highlights from Connecticut’s 2026 Darwin Day celebration
Charles Darwin’s “entangled bank” and its relevance today
What Darwin got right—and what modern science has updated
Natural selection at the gene level vs. organism level
Why evolution isn’t always gradual: rapid change and hybridization
Horizontal vs. vertical gene transfer explained
How viruses, bacteria, and other mechanisms move genes across species
The role of horizontal gene transfer in microbial evolution
Real-world implications for medicine, antibiotic resistance, and biotechnology
How curiosity and early inspiration shape scientific careers
The importance of science communication and public engagement
 
About Our Guest:Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on the early evolution of life, horizontal gene transfer, and selfish genetic elements. Dr. Gogarten is widely recognized for rooting the Tree of Life and for identifying horizontal gene transfer as a major force in microbial evolution. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA’s Exobiology Program, and the Israel-U.S. Binational Science Foundation. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.
 
About the Event:This episode was recorded live at HFFC's 18th Annual Darwin Day Dinner, held February 7th, 2026. The event celebrated Charles Darwin’s legacy through science, discussion, and community, featuring a keynote presentation by Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten on evolution within Darwin’s “tangled bank” and the complex genetic relationships that connect life on Earth. 
Please join us at next year’s event which will be held in February 2027 in Connecticut. Stay tuned for more details through the show, or directly on the Connecticut Darwin Day website. 
 
Relevant Resources: 
Gogarten Lab at The University of Connecticut
Dr. Johann Peter Gogarten’s LinkedIn Page
“Charles Darwin: History’s Most Famous Biologist” via Natural History Museum 
International Darwin Day Foundation 
The Connecticut Darwin Day website
Event Host: Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (HFFC) in Connecticut
HFFC’s Podcast, Humanism Today
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#100 Carl Zimmer on Human Heredity 
#134 Dr. Kat Arney on Cancer Evolution
#335 Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Us: How DNA Reveals Evolution
Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network:
DNA Today and Humanism Today are shows on science podcast network Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to all the podcasts in our network, you should check them via the links below!
Humanism TodayRealPharma
Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
DNA Dialogues
It Happened To Me
All Access DNA
#ThroughTheGenes
Demystifying Genetics
PhenoTips Speaker Series 
Parálisis Cerebral Respuestas
Gods and Genes
Rare Rebels
If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email us directly at info@genepoolmedia.com. We’d love to chat with you about the benefits of joining the network.
Here and there we have been sharing episodes from other podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network right here on DNA Today. 
 
Connect With Us:
Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 380 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#380 “Rare Rebels”: When Parents Drive Science, The Story of MPS I

To kick off Rare Disease Month we are thrilled to share the pilot of the newest podcast in our Gene Pool Media science podcast network, Rare Rebels. 
 
The Rare Rebels™ Podcast shares raw, unscripted conversations with patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates who are changing the future of rare disease. Through these real voices, Rare Rebels builds understanding, inspires action, and drives change.
 
The host Melody Joy Paine is a thought provoking and empathic interview. It is not surprising that she has won multiple awards for her storytelling and advocacy work. 
 
In this episode, a rare disease dad and advocate, Mark Dant, tells the story of his son, Ryan, being diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I, and the scientist Dr. Emil Kakkis whose persistence changed their lives. 
 
In This Episode: 
 
Mark Dant’s personal journey as a parent advocate after his son Ryan’s diagnosis with MPS I
Being told “nothing can be done” and choosing to challenge that narrative
Navigating rare disease advocacy before the internet, social media, or established drug development pathways
Teaching himself medical and scientific concepts without formal training
Early advocacy tactics: medical dictionaries, libraries, conferences, and cold outreach
Building a nonprofit organization from the ground up to support research and families
The fragmented healthcare and research system rare disease families faced in the 1990s
The critical role of relationships in advancing rare disease research
Mark’s partnership with physician-scientist Dr. Emil Kakkis and how trust fueled progress
Bridging families, clinicians, and researchers to accelerate treatment development
The path to developing the first treatment for MPS I
How one family’s advocacy changed outcomes for future patients
Parents as drivers of innovation in rare disease
Persistence, collaboration, and problem-solving in the absence of clear systems
Enduring lessons for today’s rare disease community and advocates
 
Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network:
Rare Rebels is the newest show on science podcast network Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to all the podcasts in our network, you should check them via the links below!
RealPharma
Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
DNA Dialogues
It Happened To Me
All Access DNA
#ThroughTheGenes
Demystifying Genetics
PhenoTips Speaker Series 
Parálisis Cerebral Respuestas
Humanism Today
Gods and Genes
If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email us directly at info@genepoolmedia.com. We’d love to chat with you about the benefits of joining the network.
Here and there we have been sharing episodes from other podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network right here on DNA Today. 
Relevant Resources: 
Rare Rebels Website
Rare Rebels on Spotify
Rare Rebels on Apple Podcasts 
MedlinePlus’ Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler Syndrome) Page
Genetic Rare Disease Information Center: Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 Page
Gene Reviews’ Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Page
Dr. Emil Kakkis Developing Enzyme Replacement Therapy for MPS I
The Orphan Drug Act 1983 strongly influenced by The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization For Rare Disorders (NORD)
EveryLife Foundation For Rare Diseases
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#171 Farber Disease with Aceragen (also a lysosomal storage disorder) 
#292 TALEN® Gene Editing Technology with Cellectis (MPS type I Research)
#372 Fighting for Time: Hunter Syndrome (MPS Type II), Gene Therapy & Urgent Advocacy
#371 Growing Old Too Fast: A Mother’s Fight for Cockayne Syndrome Advocacy
#376 Why Females with Fabry Disease Aren’t “Just Carriers” (Also a lysosomal storage disorder) 
#378 Why This Week’s NIH Funding Vote Matters for Rare Disease Patients
Connect With Us:
Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 380 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#379 Global Cancer Diagnostics: Building High-Quality Cancer Genomic Testing

As we approach World Cancer Day on February 4th, this episode of DNA Today takes a global look at how cancer diagnostics are evolving, not just in research settings, but in real-world clinical laboratories where innovation must meet reliability, scalability, and patient impact.
In this conversation, we bring together three experts from around the world working at the intersection of oncology diagnostics, sequencing technology, and clinical implementation.
Joining us from Portugal is Dr. Jorge Lima of IPATIMUP, one of Europe’s leading oncology centers known for its research-driven diagnostic mission. From Italy, Bernard Okere joins us as a Field Application Scientist at MGI Tech, a company providing a full spectrum of sequencing platforms and automation solutions for life science and clinical laboratories worldwide. And from China, we’re joined by Nancy Yang, International Senior Business Development Manager at Gene+, a genetic testing and precision oncology company behind one of the largest oncology gene panels currently in clinical use.
Together, we explore how IPATIMUP has implemented large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing, including Gene+’s 1,021-gene DNA panel and RNA sequencing, to expand diagnostic confidence while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. This episode dives into validation, automation, workflow design, and cross-company partnerships, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how modern oncology labs grow without compromising quality.
In This Episode, We Discuss
Setting the Stage: IPATIMUP’s Role in Oncology
How IPATIMUP fits into Europe’s oncology landscape
Why a research-driven approach is central to its diagnostic mission
From Research to Routine Diagnostics
Translating research findings into clinical workflows
Balancing innovation with responsibility in patient-facing diagnostics
Choosing the Right Technology Partner
Why IPATIMUP selected MGI sequencing platforms
What differentiates MGI’s technology in oncology applications
The importance of flexibility across DNA and RNA testing
Why long-term technical collaboration matters beyond installation
Large Gene Panels in Clinical Practice
How Gene+ selected the 1,021 genes included in its oncology panel
Real-world experience using large DNA and RNA panels in routine diagnostics
Why the Gene+ panel pairs effectively with MGI’s sequencing platforms
What it takes to move from validation to clinical implementation
RNA Sequencing as a Diagnostic Advantage
How RNA sequencing complements DNA-based testing in oncology
When RNA sequencing provides the most clinical value
How RNA data can increase diagnostic confidence in complex cases
Automation, Scale, and Quality
Why automation is essential for high-throughput oncology labs
Reducing hands-on time and minimizing human error
Practical advice for labs looking to scale while maintaining consistency and quality
 
Relevant Resources: 
IPATIMUP
MGI Tech
MGI’s Sequencing Platforms 
Gene+ (Website currently under construction)
 
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#355 How Genomics Is Transforming Rare Disease Diagnosis in Turkey with MGI Tech
#360 Hereditary Breast Cancer on the Big Screen with “Love, Danielle”
#364 Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Italy: A Curated Gene Panel
 
Connect With Us:
Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past five years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#378 Why This Week’s NIH Funding Vote Matters for Rare Disease Patients

February 3rd, 2026 Update:
The U.S. House of Representatives passed it! Now, the bill heads to the President’s desk, where we expect him to sign it into law. This means the NIH is scheduled to receive $48.7 billion in funding (a 1% or $415 million increase over 2025). Therefore the 40% budget cut of NIH was rejected, and instead there will be a 1% increase in funding (as long as the President signs it).
 
January 30th, 2026 Update:
Another wonderful update, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that advances top priorities for the rare disease community, including strong medical research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and across the federal government.The next step for the bill is to go back the U.S. House of Representatives for final passage.Urge your representatives to pass this legislation, MDA made it easy to do so here. 
 
January 24th, 2026 Update: Great news, the House of Representatives passed legislation providing strong funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The next step is for the Senate to pass this legislation, the vote is scheduled for the week of January 26th. 
Urge your senators to pass this legislation, MDA made it easy to do so here. 
Our host Kira Dineen already reached out to her congressmen in Connecticut, Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, to support the vote scheduled to happen the week of January 26th, 2026. After you reach out to your senators, post it on social, and tag us (@DNATodayPodcast) and MDA (@mdaorg) so we can repost you! 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
What happens to rare disease families when federal research funding slows down, or gets cut? In this breaking news, bonus episode of DNA Today, we’re digging into what NIH funding cuts mean in real terms: delayed clinical trials, fewer research dollars for ultra-rare conditions, and a slower path from discovery to treatment. 
 
We’re joined by Paul Melmeyer, who serves as the Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In this role, Paul leads MDA’s policy and advocacy initiatives pertaining to public health, therapeutic development, access to care, and disabilities. Prior to joining MDA, Paul spent over six years with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). At NORD, Paul led the Federal policy operations in developing and advocating for the enactment and implementation of pro-rare disease patient policy. Paul also holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the George Washington University.
 
We unpack what’s happening in Washington DC in late January 2026, what it could mean for neuromuscular disease research, and more generally the rare disease community, and what we can do about it. 
 
In This Episode, We Discuss
What’s Actually Happening With NIH Funding
Why the phrase “NIH cuts” understates the real-world impact on patients and families
What proposed reductions for Fiscal Year 2026 could mean for rare disease research
How grant freezes, terminations, and delayed renewals disrupt active studies and clinical trials
Why Rare Disease Research Is Especially at Risk
Why rare disease programs are more sensitive to funding instability than common conditions
The difference between slowed progress and permanent loss for progressive neuromuscular diseases
How NIH funding supports the entire pipeline—from basic science and natural history studies to biomarkers and trials
What happens when labs lose funding: loss of expertise, momentum, and institutional knowledge
Neuromuscular Disease Research in 2026
Where neuromuscular research stands today and what breakthroughs are closest to patients
Which types of studies are most vulnerable to funding cuts
How NIH investment influences industry confidence and pharmaceutical partnerships in ultra-rare diseases
Policy Realities & Misconceptions
How to explain to policymakers that cutting research now increases long-term healthcare costs later
Common misconceptions about NIH funding and why rare disease research can’t simply “pause and restart”
Advocacy: What You Can Do Right Now
The most effective actions for advocates engaging Capitol Hill today
What makes a patient or family story resonate with lawmakers and staffers
How collective advocacy protects not just future discoveries, but lives happening right now
Relevant Resources: 
Click here to urge you senators to pass legislation this week to support the NIH (mda.org/supportNIH). The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration the week of January 26th, 2026.  
MDA Advocacy Landing Page
MDA Advocacy Action Center
Donate to MDA
MDA's X Page
MDA's Instagram Page
Request MDA Services 
We Work For Health 
 
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#306 NIH’s Dr. Francis Collins’ Leadership in the Human Genome Project and COVID-19
#327 How Patient Advocacy is Changing Rare Disease Research
#356 From Statehouse to Capitol Hill: A Guide to Effective Advocacy for Rare Diseases
#363 ASHG 2025 Recap: AI Diagnostics, Genetics Publications & Losing NIH Funding
#370 Genetics Wrapped: 2025 Top Advances in Genomic Medicine (including NIH changes with former NHGRI Director Dr. Eric Green)
 
Connect With Us: 
Usually we release new episodes on Friday, but since this was so timely we released it as a bonus episode. You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.

#377 Integrating Pharmacogenomics (PGX) into Elder Care

What happens when a loved one is trying to age at home, their memory is changing, and their medications suddenly start causing more harm than help?
In this episode of DNA Today, we’re talking about aging in place, memory care, and an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle, how someone’s genetics can affect the way they respond to medications later in life.
Our guest is Michele Magner, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, caregiver advocate, and educator who works closely with families navigating dementia, chronic illness, and the emotional realities of caregiving. With deep experience in senior living, gerontology, and family coaching, Michele helps people prepare not just for what’s happening now, but for what comes next.
We’ll explore how pharmacogenomics fits into home-based elder care, why medication reactions are so common in older adults, and how caregivers can better advocate for safer, more personalized care.
On This Episode We Discuss:
Aging in Place & Memory Care
What families are most concerned about when trying to keep a loved one at home
How memory-related illnesses change caregiving compared to physical limitations alone
Common misconceptions about the progression of cognitive decline
What “successful aging in place” realistically looks like
Medication Challenges in Older Adults
Why polypharmacy is so common—and so risky—in later life
How medications that once worked well can become problematic over time
Real-world examples of unexpected medication reactions in individuals with memory changes
Why older adults are especially vulnerable to side effects, particularly with cognitive impairment
Pharmacogenomics, Explained for Caregivers
What pharmacogenomics (PGX) is and how to explain it to families in practical terms
Why genetic-informed prescribing can become relevant later in life, even if medications were previously tolerated
How PGX may help prevent medication-related crises before they happen
PGX in Home-Based Memory Care
How pharmacogenomics could reshape medication decisions for dementia care
Medication categories that often raise red flags in older adults
How genetic insights may help protect individuals who can’t clearly report side effects
Advocacy, Access & System Gaps
Barriers families face when trying to access PGX-informed care
How caregivers can request medication reviews without feeling confrontational
Where healthcare systems often fall short of the realities families manage at home
Looking Ahead
What it would mean to routinely integrate pharmacogenomics into elder care
Michele’s key message for caregivers navigating medications, memory care, and aging in place
Our Guest: 
Michele Magner has a passion for connecting with people as we navigate the adventures of aging and caregiving! As an experienced family caregiver, with many years in the Senior Living industry, she understands the challenges we are facing as we age and care for those we love. Michele sets people up for success so they are inspired to thrive, not just survive, this one big, beautiful, and complicated life.Michele has earned her M.B.A., Masters Certification in Gerontology and is a Gerontology Ph.D. student at UNO. She is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Conscious Aging facilitator. Michele is an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University, teaching Long Term Care Administration. She serves on 2 Board of Directors, the Alzheimer’s Association NE Chapter and The Bloc. Inc. Michele also contributes to the Dreamweaver Foundation, making wishes for people in senior living come true.
She continues to share fresh content and ideas through her Inspired Caring podcast and programs, in addition to private and group coaching.
Relevant Resources: Need Health? 
UChicago News: Women are overmedicated because drug dosage trials are done on men, study findsClinPGx
Sequence2Script
The PREPARE Study
Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling
The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC®)
Relevant Papers:
Roncato R, Bignucolo A, Peruzzi E, Montico M, De Mattia E, Foltran L, Guardascione M, D'Andrea M, Favaretto A, Puglisi F, Swen JJ, Guchelaar HJ, Toffoli G, Cecchin E. Clinical Benefits and Utility of Pretherapeutic DPYD and UGT1A1 Testing in Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the PREPARE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 2;7(12):e2449441. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.49441. PMID: 39641926; PMCID: PMC11624585.
 
van Marum RJ. Underrepresentation of the elderly in clinical trials, time for action. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020 Oct;86(10):2014-2016. doi: 10.1111/bcp.14539. Epub 2020 Sep 9. PMID: 32909294; PMCID: PMC7495271.
 
Zucker I, Prendergast BJ. Sex differences in pharmacokinetics predict adverse drug reactions in women. Biol Sex Differ. 2020 Jun 5;11(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s13293-020-00308-5. PMID: 32503637; PMCID: PMC7275616.
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#108 Dr. Becky Winslow on Pharmacogenomics
#174 Pharmacogenomics with Fulgent Genetics
#229 Pharmacogenomics with Avni Santani
#324 Genetic Contraindications for Ozempic and Wegovy (GLP-1 Agonists) 
#354 How Pharmacogenomics is Revolutionizing Drug Prescriptions
#370 Genetics Wrapped: 2025 Top Advances in Genomic Medicine (Talked about PGx with chemotherapy) 
Connect With Us:
Get ready, genetic nerds, another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.

#376 Why Females with Fabry Disease Aren’t “Just Carriers”

What does Fabry disease really look like across patients—and why is it so often misunderstood? In this episode of DNA Today, we’re taking a deep dive into Fabry disease, a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder with highly variable presentations, especially between genders.
Joining us is Dr. Amy Kritzer, a clinical geneticist and a leading expert in metabolic disorders in Boston, Massachusetts. We explore why the “carrier” label doesn’t apply to females, the challenges of delayed diagnosis, and the importance of cascade screening for families.
We want to thank Amicus Therapeutics for sponsoring this episode and point out that our conversation is intended for U.S. healthcare professionals. 
Topics Covered in This Episode
What Fabry disease is and how it affects the body.
The impact of Fabry’s X-linked inheritance on clinical presentation.
Why the term “just a carrier” is misleading for females or people with two X chromosomes.
Variability in disease expression among females and key clinical cases.
Classic vs. later-onset Fabry phenotypes and diagnostic challenges.
Common signs and symptoms that often go unrecognized.
Barriers leading to delayed diagnosis and under-recognition.
Benefits of early detection and cascade family screening.
Managing variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the GLA gene.
Limits of genotype–phenotype correlations in Fabry disease.
Psychosocial challenges for families living with a Fabry diagnosis.
Advice for clinicians and genetic counselors evaluating potential Fabry patients.
Resources & Links
The brand new website, FindingFabry.com has additional information and resources. 
Amicus’ website here also has information about Fabry disease. 
Patients’ stories about living with Fabry disease. 
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#375 How Your Publication Can Fuel Genetic Innovation

What drives scientific discovery, and how do those discoveries evolve into treatments that transform lives?
In this in-person episode of DNA Today, we’re exploring the human side of science: the curiosity, collaboration, and persistence that fuel discovery. This episode is part of a special partnership with The Advanced Portfolio from Wiley, a collection of world-leading scientific journals bridging disciplines to accelerate progress in biology, genetics, and medicine.
We’re joined by two guests whose careers beautifully reflect the bridge between innovation and impact:
Dr. Elizabeth Bhoj is an attending physician and researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Her work focuses on discovering new genetic disorders, understanding how they work, and developing targeted therapies, bringing hope to families facing rare diseases. At the conference, she was the recipient of the ASHG Early Career Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to human genetics.
Dr. Yuming Hu is a scientist turned publisher who serves as part of the editorial leadership at Wiley’s Advanced Portfolio. She has ten years of research experience, focusing on plant biology and environmental sciences. Before joining Wiley in 2022, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Tsinghua University, China. She had also worked as a research assistant at the University of California, Davis. Yuming obtained her Ph.D. in biochemistry and biotechnology from Ghent University, Belgium. She studied biotechnology, and got her M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees from Wageningen University, the Netherlands. Yuming brings a global and cross-disciplinary perspective to how research is shared, discovered, and amplified.
Topics Covered In This Episode: 
The stories behind scientific breakthroughs and what fuels discovery
How collaboration across disciplines accelerates innovation
Translating genetic discoveries into real-world therapies
The role of publishing and open science in driving progress
How journals are adapting to promote transparency and reproducibility
Advice for early-career researchers balancing ambition with sustainability
The evolving landscape of global collaboration in science
How AI and automation are transforming both research and publishing
The ethics and equity considerations of AI-driven science
The importance of representation and global voices in genomics
Key Takeaways
True innovation thrives on collaboration—across labs, disciplines, and continents.
Publishing isn’t the end of science; it’s a catalyst for connection and progress.Bridging basic discovery to clinical application requires persistence and shared purpose.
Transparency, communication, and mentorship are essential to the next wave of breakthroughs.
Relevant Resources: 
Wiley Advanced Portfolio 
Wiley’s Journal Finder
Genetics and Genomics: Advanced Science Collection 
Precision medicine: From new tools to innovative applications: Advanced Portfolio Cross-journal Collections
Wiley's AI guidelines for Authors
Wiley’s ExplanAItions 2025: The evolution of AI in research
What Makes a Successful Submission Wiley Blog Post
Eligibility for access to Research4Life 
Wiley Announce Team of Editors to Lead Advanced Portfolio Journals Expansion into Life Health Sciences
Wiley Expands Advanced Journal Portfolio into Life and Health Sciences Deepens Physical Science Offering
 
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#337 How to Get Your Research Published: Insight from Wiley’s Advanced Portfolio Journal Editors
#345 How To Talk About DNA Without Losing People: Strategies Part 1
#350 How To Talk About DNA Without Losing People: Strategies Part 2
#363 ASHG 2025 Recap: AI Diagnostics, Genetics Publications & Losing NIH Funding (Drs. Bhoj and Hu were also guests) 
 
Connect With Us: 
Get ready, genetic nerds, another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#374 The Eras of Genetic Testing: From the Human Genome Project to Precision Medicine

What if we looked at genetic testing not just as a tool, but as a story unfolding through eras of innovation, access, and personal meaning? 
To explore the genetic testing landscape over the last couple decades we are joined by a fellow podcaster Rome Madison, who is also a precision medicine expert and longtime industry leader with extensive experience working in diagnostics and precision medicine. 
Rome has trained sales teams, helped launch groundbreaking cancer diagnostics, and now hosts Genetics for Healthcare: A Podcast for Patients. He’s here to share not only how genetic testing has evolved across different eras, but also his personal connection to the field and why he’s committed to ensuring patients benefit from the genomic revolution.
 
On This Episode, We Discuss:
 
Setting the Stage: Rome’s Personal Journey
How Rome entered the genetics and diagnostics space shortly after the Human Genome Project
What motivates his continued work at the intersection of innovation, patients, and access
Why confidence, curiosity, and communication matter in fast-changing scientific fields
The Early Era: Post–Human Genome Project
What diagnostics felt like in the early 2000s
Early pharmacogenomics and predicting chemotherapy response
Barriers to adoption, including cost, infrastructure, and skepticism
The Growth Era: Expansion of Genetic Testing
How cancer diagnostics and precision medicine began shaping standard care
Shifts in how clinicians and patients talked about risk and prevention
Lessons learned about equity, access, and unmet expectations
The Current Era: Precision Medicine Goes Mainstream
What distinguishes today’s genetic testing landscape from earlier eras
Ongoing challenges around affordability, access, and education
The role of podcasts and science communication in empowering patients
Looking Ahead: The Next Era of Genetic Testing
What might define the next wave: RNA, epigenomics, microbiome, multi-omics
Where AI and advanced data analytics fit into future care models
Why collaboration across pharma, diagnostics, advocacy groups, and patients is essential
Whether population-wide genetic testing could become routine in the years ahead
 
About the Guest
Rome Madison helps people and organizations in the life science industry increase confidence, embrace uncertainty and navigate chaos to rise and win in the market. With over 20 years of experience leading sales teams and go-to market strategy for successful start-ups and new products, Rome has Unreasonable Confidence that cancer and other chronic genetic diseases can be prevented, detected early, treated effectively and cured.
 
Rome has given more than 500 live speeches and is a charismatic virtual presenter that keeps your audience glued to the screen and engaged with his content. He has appeared on more than 50 TV and radio shows across the US as a precision medicine expert, and has been a featured speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show on The Future of Healthcare.
 
Rome’s podcast, Genetics for Healthcare: A Podcast for Patients, unites major healthcare stakeholders to close the gap of innovation and patient access to precision medicine. He is co-creator and host of the award-winning Precision Medicine Podcast, Google’s #1 rated podcast on the topic of next-generation cancer care, with listeners in over 108 countries.
Relevant Resources: 
Genetics for Healthcare Podcast Hosted by Rome Madison 
American Lung Association; EGFR and Lung Cancer 
Breast Cancer Research Foundation; HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Testing, Treatment, Research
Fierce Biotech; Labcorp picks up Invitae portfolio for $239M in bankruptcy sale
The Guardian; 23andMe’s founder wins bid to regain control of bankrupt DNA testing firm
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines 
The Patient Will See You Now Book by Dr. Eric Topol (Kira was right, it was published 10 years ago!)
 
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#145 Greenwood Genetic Center on Epigenetics
#182 Eric Green on the Complete Human Genome Project 
#358 AGBT Precision Health 2025 Meeting Recaps and Reflections
#361 The Economics of Genetic Counseling: Policy, Industry & Career Advice
#362 Optical Genome Mapping: Detecting Structural Variants Missed by Traditional Tests
#363 ASHG 2025 Recap: AI Diagnostics, Genetics Publications & Losing NIH Funding
#364 Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Italy: A Curated Gene Panel
#370 Genetics Wrapped: 2025 Top Advances in Genomic Medicine
Get ready, genetic nerds, another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 370 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.