DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

#88 Ira Pastor on Regeneration

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 on September 7th, 2018. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#87 Genetic Counseling Grad School Apps (Part 1)

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 Awards. She is the Communications Lead at My Gene Counsel, a digital genetic counseling company. Kira is also a member of National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Digital Ambassador Program (aka #NSGCGenePool). She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences with a concentration in Cytogenetics at the University of Connecticut. Kira is excited to be in Sarah Lawrence College’s Genetic Counseling Class of 2020.Brynna Nguyenton will be a first year genetic counseling student at The Keck Graduate Institute. She earned her BS in Biology with a minor in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from San Diego State University in 2016. Brynna’s professional interests include accessible healthcare, neuropsychiatric and cancer genetics, and promoting scientific literacy and education in the community. She is also the lead staff contributor of the genetic counseling blog, Maps and Genes. Outside of genetic counseling, she enjoys thrift shopping, traveling and trying new foods, and spending time outdoors with her Husky/Shepherd puppy, Kenobi.Katie Church is a member of the 2020 Genetic Counseling class from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Originally from Colorado, in 2017 she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Throughout undergrad she spent time volunteering with adaptive recreation and a domestic violence hotline, helping with research, shadowing various genetic counselors, and staying active in her sorority. Post graduation she worked as a research assistant in a fly genetics lab and a high school cheer coach.Brianna Van den Adel was born and raised in the small northern town of Kitimat, B.C., Canada. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Psychology at The University of Northern British Columbia in 2017. With her recent acceptance into the Master of Genetic Counseling program at The University of British Columbia, she looks forward to completing her degree and working towards introducing the field of genetic counseling to Prince George, and serving the northern communities of British Columbia.On This Episode We Discuss:Overall Application TimelineCost of our Application ProcessesPreparation for Applications & Helpful ResourcesPrerequisites, Extracurricular Activities & Recommended ExperiencesFinding Genetic Counselors to ShadowWriting the Personal StatementsLetters of Recommendation: How Many to Request & Who To AskDifferences Applying as an International Student (Outside US)Deciding Schools: Features to Focus on & Number to Apply toStay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 17th. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes.Questions/inquiries about the application process for the four of us can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. Interested in getting in contact with a current student at a specific school? Shoot us an email and we will work our networks to try and connect you!

#86 Dr. Michael Fossel on the Telomere Theory of Aging

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 agingRole of family history in longevityRecent aging/telomerase researchCRISPR’s use with telomeraseScientifically validation of current anti-aging productsLearn more on Michael Fossel’s website. I also recommend his book, The Telomerase Revolution.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 3rd, 2018. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#85 Sarah McAnulty on Squids

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 up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#84 CRISPR Bioethics

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 advances are most likely to occurThe bioethical debate change between PGD embryo selection and CRISPR edited embryo, prior to in vitro fertilizationPotential restrictions on which genes can be manipulated, disease related vs physical traitsWant to delve further into the bioethics of CRISPR? Check out this article from guest Dr. Katie Hasson about designer DNA not being just for designer babies. Another interesting article that complements our discussion in the podcast is Nathaniel Comfort’s “Can We Cure Genetic Diseases Without Slipping Into Eugenics?” Intrigued by our conversation about a child having three biological parents (this is not science fiction) Leah Lowthrop wrote articles about the impact in the fertility industry and the slippery slope this technique could become. Genetics and Society has many more articles to explore!If you are one of the first ten people to sign up for JD’s J.D.’s Best of Indie email list you will receive a free copy of the “Biohack” ebook plus the Hacked Celebrity Files, a full-color PDF outlining Hollywood celebrities and historical figures targeted by the biotech company in the novel. Can’t wait to see if you have won? Buy the book on Amazon for $1 or read it for free through amazon Kindle Unlimited.Be sure to give both J.D. Lasica and Genetics and Society a follow on Twitter.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on July 6th, 2018. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#83 Alex Ille on Alzheimer’s Disease

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 potential cureLength of phasesFunding requiredKey players/institutions in the researchCurrent clinical trialsWays the public can get involvedLearn more about Genome Cure Organization on their website and Instagram.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on June 15th, 2018. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#82 Smith Family Clinic on Whole Genome Sequencing

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 administrator with the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM). She has over 30 years of medical practice administration experience across multiple physician practice specialties and hospitals.Meagan Cochran is a board-certified genetic counselor with clinical experience in pediatrics, adult medicine and genomics. As one of the genetic counselors at Smith Family Clinic she works with patients and families to understand the role of genomic medicine in healthcare and help them to incorporate this new information into their decision making processes.Follow Smith Family Clinic on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and visit their website for more information.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#81 Irina Brooke on BRCA2

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 hereditary breast and ovarian cancer community with mutations (BRCA etc.). She also shares her journey on her website’s blog.Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on May 18th, 2018.New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#80 Rafi Mendelsohn on DNA Quest for Adoptees

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 episode of DNA Today on May 4th, 2018 where I will be interviewing patient advocate Irina Brook about her BRCA2 mutation and hereditary breast cancer.New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

#79 Bibaswan Ghoshal on the Human Microbiome

Joining me on this episode is Bibaswan Ghoshal. He is a Senior Bioinformatician at the Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Sinai Health System in Toronto. He has his Master’s of Science in Medicine and finishing his PhD in Bioinformatics, Animal Microbiome and Agriculture from the University of Alberta. On this episode we discuss…The number of microbes in inside us and how they help usFactors/technology that impacted the start of this new fieldDifferences between studying the human microbiome and genomeTechniques/technologies used to study the microbiomeHuman Microbiome ProjectHealthy microbiomesFactors that affect microbiomesVariations between people’s microbiomesMicrobiome researchRole of a bioinformatics analyst in microbiome research Learn more about the microbiome through the University of Utah’s free interactive modules. You can follow Bibaswan on Twitter @bibaswanghoshal and read his blog at worldofbiba.wordpress.com. Check out the books Bibaswan recommends during the episode: Brain Maker by Dr. David Perlmutter and I Contain Multitudes by Dr. Ed Yong. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on April 20th, 2018 where I will be interviewing Rafi Mendelsohn about a free DNA test for adoptees and biological families to be reunited. It's offered through April through MyHeritage's DNA Quest. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com