#179 Genetic Testing with Kira Dineen

This week we’re bringing you a special episode of DNA Today! Our host, Kira Dineen, was recently a guest on The Science of Everything Podcast, discussing genetic testing with host, James Fodor. Kira thoroughly enjoyed her experience being a guest on this podcast, so we’ve decided to also release the episode on the DNA Today podcast feed!

To give you a teaser… we covered a range of genetic testing topics from the process and science behind the testing, types of conditions that can be tested for, and the difference between genotyping and sequencing. We even discussed direct-to-consumer genetic testing like 23andMe and ancestry including the potential (and current) uses for criminal justice. We speculated about social implications of the testing along with other futures that may be in store for genetic testing.

On This Episode We Discuss:

The process and science behind genetic testing

Types of conditions that can be tested for

The difference between genotyping and sequencing

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Social implications of testing

The future of genetic testing

If you enjoyed James’ interview style be sure to subscribe to The Science of Everything Podcast! Keep up to date with James and the podcast on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on April 15, 2022 where we’ll be discussing reproductive DNA testing with Mitera! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 175 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel.

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

Polygenic risk scores (or PRS) are a powerful way to identify an individual’s risk of common disease by analyzing up to millions of genetic variants spread across the genome. Allelica has launched the first PRS test on the market to calculate ancestry-specific PRS for breast cancer, prostate cancer, coronary artery diseases, Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease and deliver the results in a clinical-grade report. Order your test today at order.allelica.com. For 25% off AND free shipping, use code “DNATODAY” at checkout. Allelica: Empowering the next generation of clinical genomics. Check out Allelica’ interview about PRS with co-Founder and CEO Giordano Bottà on Episode #168 of “DNA Today”! (SPONSORED)

If you enjoy DNA Today, especially Episode 139 with Dani Shapiro who discovered she was donor conceived, then you’ll also enjoy more shocking discoveries from DNA testing in a new podcast I love, BioHacked: Family Secrets. It’s a brand new podcast all about hidden ancestry, medicine, and technology. The show follows the children of anonymous sperm and egg donors — some with dozens or hundreds of half-siblings — who accidentally learn the truth because of commercial DNA kits like 23andMe. The podcast drops some bombshells...and shows how new technology is unraveling the deep, dark secrets of the baby business. Along with scandalous personal stories, BioHacked: Family Secrets also reveals unexpected ethical, scientific, and political questions. It’s a vital listen for anyone who loves wild stories about science, tech, and history...or even just messy family drama. You can find BioHacked: Family Secrets...wherever you’re listening right now. New episodes drop every Wednesday.