DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

This episode we are exploring medical interpreting in genetic counseling and other areas of healthcare. Joining me are Genetic Counselor Nina Harkavy and Interpreter Lorraine Way. Nina is a prenatal genetic counselor at Columbia University. She graduated from the John Hopkins University/ NHGRI genetic counseling training program. Lorraine is a Spanish Instructor, medical interpreter and the President of Language Way, a language service company. She has a master’s in French from Middlebury College where she also studied Spanish. On This Episode We Discuss: Improved counseling experience speaking in Spanish Difference between translation and interpretation How healthcare providers can alter their communication with non-native English speakers Tips for working with interpreters Standard for interpretation especially with family members Maintaining cultural sensitivity when belief systems may impede the decision-making process Concepts that are challenging to interpret into Spanish and ways to phrase differently Approaches to check in with patients about their understanding Miscommunications between healthcare providers and interpreters Handling an interpreter who is not accurately interpreting Training to be a professional interpreter Qualities to look for when hiring an interpreter Learn more about Lorraine way business through her website, thelanguageway.com Imagine a health record system that’s actually designed for genomics, available in 6 different languages, and complete with pedigree drawing, diagnostic insights and more. Well stop imagining and start using, because PhenoTips is nothing like your EHR, it’s the world’s first Genomic Health record system that captures family history seamlessly, regardless of the language patients are comfortable with. Because clear communication is the root of supportive care. Visit phenotips.com to learn more. Check out our sponsor at PhenoTips.com to learn more. Also sponsoring this episode is Genobank, the first anonymous DNA storage and sharing platform that is completely controlled by you with blockchain technology. Here’s the really cool aspect about Genobank, you can choose who you are sharing your DNA with including researchers. You can be a partner in research by choosing specific institutions who can use your DNA in their research projects. Genobank has officially launch at genobank.io, where you can learn more and purchase a kit. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today the first week of January. New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Our profession has evolved over the last 50 years from a small dedicated group of genetic counselors to over 5,000 individuals in the United States, with sister organizations in Canada, Europe and Australia. Just as the field of genetics has evolved over the last 40 years, so has the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and genetic counselors. In this podcast episode, Linda Robinson joins host Kira Dineen to highlight what hot topics, historical accomplishments, challenges, barriers and opportunities during the last 50 years of genetic counseling. Linda Robinson is a retired genetic counselor. She worked primarily prenatal and cancer roles at UCLA , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the California Department of Health. Linda retired as the Assistant Director of Cancer Genetics at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is currently a consultant grant writer there. She has a long list of publications, grants and awards. Linda has been a very active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) on countless committees, currently she is in the Late Career SIG. On This Episode We Discuss: Importance of Genetic Counseling History Roots of Genetic Counseling at Sarah Lawrence in 1969 Need for the Profession Coining Term “Genetic Counselor” and Runner Up Titles The First Genetic Counseling Jobs, Speciality and Tests National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Foundation Evolution in Last 50 Years: Challenges, Technology Advancements, Licensure etc. NSGC Online Timeline Current Number of Genetic Counselors and Programs Future of Genetic Counseling Don’t forget to check out NSGC’s interactive timeline here! Stay tuned for the last DNA Today of the year on December 25th, 2020. New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) hosted its annual conference virtually this past weekend with a new record for attendance. In this special extended installment of DNA Today we are recapping and reflecting on a few sessions from the conference. Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, PhenoTips. Imagine a health record system designed specifically for genomics. Cause let’s be honest, electronic health records are not built for genetics. Now you can stop imagining and start using, because PhenoTips is just this! PhenoTips is the world’s first complete Genomic Health record system with pedigree drawing, standardized symptom capture, diagnostic insights and more, all in one place. Check them out at PhenoTips.com. Timestamps Aishwarya Arjunan 1:30-24:20 Rebekah Hutchins 25:17-38:50 Courtney Studwell 38:50-53:05 Ashlyn Enokian 53:05-56:05 Presentations Recapped/Recommended Drawing the line with ECS: When does expanded carrier screening turn into excessive carrier screening? Live Tweet Threads by DNA Today and Aishwarya Arjunan More Than Just Raising Our Voices: Confronting Injustices in Patient Care Beyond common aneuploidies: Expanding existing chromosome testing technologies and subsequent prenatal care Live Tweet Thread by DNA Today Transfer of Mosaic Embryos following PGT-A: Updates, Ethics, and Implications Live Tweets by DNA Today (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 2020 Janus Lecture: Ovarian Cancer: A Model for Progress in Genetics Pariah or Pioneer? Stories of Expansion Into New and Emerging Genetic Counselor Roles Mastering the Art of Advocacy through Media Relations The Panel Aishwarya Arjunan, MS, MPH, CGC, CPH graduated with degrees in genetic counseling and public health genetics from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013 and was certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2014. She currently works at Myriad Women's Health (formerly Counsyl), a women's health genetic testing and genetic counseling company, as the Clinical Product Manager for the Foresight Carrier Screen. Prior to joining Counsyl/Myriad, Aishwarya was a clinical genetic counselor at the Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics and Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital in the Department of Genetics, Birth Defects, and Metabolism. Within the Northwestern Genetic Counseling Program, Aishwarya is a core faculty member and serves as a thesis advisor/committee member and has participated in the Admissions Committee and Internet Resources Task Force. Aishwarya is actively involved with the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) as the 2019 co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and incoming Director At Large for the NSGC Board of Directors. She is also involved locally with the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals (ISGP) and is a past-president of ISGP. At NSGC 2020 she was honored with the Leader in Cultural Advocacy Award. You can follow Aishwarya on Twitter. Rebekah Hutchins, MS, GC is a perinatal genetic counselor. Currently, she practices at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and previously in Hawaii Pacific Health in Honolulu, Hawaii. She received her M.S. in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College’s Joan H. Marks Program. Rebekah has always been passionate about social justice and identifying, dissecting and combating health disparities in marginalized communities. Now as a healthcare professional she identifies innovative ways to bridge those gaps in her work. During her time at Sarah Lawrence College, she developed a cultural competency course for genetic counselors which she has presented twice. You can follow Rebekah on Twitter. Courtney Studwell, MS, CGC, MB(ASCP)CM is a licensed certified genetic counselor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston and is also certified as a Technologist in Molecular Biology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). She counsels patients in the CFMRG and participates in the development and management of genetic testing platforms in the CAMD. She earned her master's degree in Genetic Counseling from Boston University School of Medicine and undergraduate degree in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences from University of Connecticut. You can follow Courtney on Twitter. Ashlyn Enokian, MS, GC is a prenatal genetic counselor at High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas, NV. Her journey into the field of genetic counseling began with advocacy work through Crisis Text Line and Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid. She worked as a genetic counseling assistant in cancer genetics at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, pediatric genetics at the University of Michigan, and laboratory genetics at Progenity, Inc. Ashlyn was previously a genetics graphic design intern at My Gene Counsel. Her professional interests include prenatal, ART/fertility, education, and strategies to increase diversity in the field. She earned her B.S. in Biology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University in 2017. Followed by her M.S. in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College’s Joan H. Marks Program. You can follow Ashlyn on Twitter. Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM is a certified prenatal genetic counselor at Maternal Fetal Care, PC in Stamford, CT. Kira also has 10 years of online media experience in digital marketing and podcasting/radio including 5 podcasts. She started her main show “DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast” in 2012 which became a radio show in 2014. The podcast has since produced over 130 episodes interviewing experts in the field. “DNA Today” recently won the People’s Choice Podcast Awards for the Best 2020 Science and Medicine Podcast. Kira is also the host of the PhenoTips Speaker Series, a live webinar interviewing genetic experts attend by over 700 genetic counselors around the globe. She writes a monthly blog series, “Explained By A Genetic Counsellor” for Sano Genetics. Kira was selected and currently serves as a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Digital Ambassador program (#NSGCGenePool). She received her Diagnostic Genetic Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of Connecticut and is a certified Cytogenetic Technologist. Kira received her Master’s of Science in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. You can follow Kira on Twitter. Poster Presentations Conference Tips (Virtual & In-Person) Exhibit hall for networking, free genetics apparel, job board, professional and fun photos. Wear layers because lecture halls are freezing. Lunch sessions are free and sponsored by labs. Prioritize select sessions to attend live, there is too much to do everything and you can watch later on demand until it expires January 15th. Attend a Special Interest Group (SIG), you don’t have to be a member. Follow and join conversations on Twitter (#NSGC20 and #gcchat) Students, job hunt utilizing the job board (in the middle of the exhibit hall) and hand out your resume. If there is a meet up with a specific company/hospital you are interested in working with/at, then go check it out! Resources Be sure to check out all these resources mentioned during the episode. JGC Task Force Report All the special issues Sign up for the Focus Groups Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on December 4th. New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month (except this week, thanks for waiting!). In the meantime, you can binge over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. 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.

Please keep our 2020 Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award momentum going and vote for “DNA Today” for Podcast Magazine’s “Hot 50” Podcasts! You can take 60 seconds to vote here now. Dr. Kat Arney is our guest in this episode of DNA Today. She is a fellow genetics podcaster! She is an award-winning science writer, author, presenter, broadcaster, and public speaker. Her voice will probably be familiar to you as she has appeared on radio and TV around the world including BBC Radio 4, the Naked Scientists and Naked Genetics podcasts, and more recently as the host of the Genetics Unzipped podcast. She has written for outlets including the Times Educational Supplement, BBC Science Focus, the Daily Mail, Wired, BBC Online, The Guardian, and New Scientist. Dr. Arney has authored three popular science books: “Herding Hemingway’s Cats: Understanding How Our Genes Work”, “How to Code a Human” and her new book, “Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal”. Enter our giveaway to win a copy of the book on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. On This Episode We Discuss: Cancer from an evolutionary lens Evolutionary origins of cancer at the start of multicellular life Cancer identified through DNA from fossilized skeletons Cancer in other species, species without cancer Correlations between cancer development and species relationship Conservation of cancer genes Peter Nowell’s 40 year old paper, “The Clonal Evolution of Tumor Cell Populations” Definition of a cancerous cell EV-001 reveals the complexity of cancer development Overestimate of of cancer after the development of Gleevec Cancer evolutionary perspective adding in precision medicine Search “Genetics Unzipped” in your podcast player to hear Dr. Arney’s show. This is a crossover episode as our host Kira Dineen, was also a guest on Genetics Unzipped in September, where she was interviewed about prenatal genetic counseling. Check out the episode titled, “Podcast Rare Genetic Disorder and Pregnancy—Navigating an ’Emotionally Challenging’ Journey.” Learn more about the book at RebelCellBook.com and keep up with Kat on Twitter, @Kat_Arney and @geneticsunzip. In 2016, Elizabeth Turner saw a need to increase access to genetic counseling. This was the inspiration for her to start Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling. Now during a pandemic there has never been a better time to book a telehealth genetic counseling consult! Cancer genetics is one of many areas that AT-GC specializes in. Their team of genetic counselors are specifically trained to help understand, interpret, and navigate complex genomic information. All genomes have a story to tell. If you are ready to learn yours head over to AT-GC.com to book your appointment with a genetic counselor today. We receive a lot of emails from listeners interested in genetic careers and we love connecting and providing resources. One of those is Keck Graduate Institute’s genetics programs in Southern California. KGI offers a master’s degree in genetic counseling, but for those of you looking for something slightly different - KGI also has a first-of-its-kind graduate program in genomic data analytics. This two-year master’s program gives students the opportunity to work side-by-side with applied life scientists and future genetic counselors while gaining hands-on experience with the technologies and information that are revolutionizing the future of medicine. Learn more about the program by visiting kgi.edu/dnatoday. Stay tuned for the next new episodes of DNA Today released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Don’t forget to vote for “DNA Today” for Podcast Magazine’s “Hot 50” Podcasts! You can take 60 seconds to vote here now. 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.

This episode is the last installment of our 7 part direct-consumer genetic testing series. Joining for this episode is guest Melanie Hardy, Assistant Director of JScreen Genetic Counseling Services, which is part of Emory University School of Medicine. Melanie has been an active member in The National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Board of Genetic Counseling, including chairing multiple committees, workgroups and programs. She has also served on capstone committees for genetic counseling students at multiple universities. On This Episode We Discuss: Number of conditions on carrier screening Different methods of carrier screening Conditions more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent Conditions where carriers can have symptoms Limitations of carrier screening Conditions identified on newborn screening Potential differences between saliva and blood sample If carrier screening should be repeated Genetic counseling session about carrier results Reproductive options for carriers During this COVID-19 pandemic many patients and healthcare providers have turned to telehealth services. One of the first genetic counseling companies in this space was Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling in 2016. AT-GC was conceptualized and grown by genetic counselors so that patients like you could access a genetic counselor no matter where you live. Their services are more important than ever to reduce your exposure during the pandemic. Learn more and book your appointment today with a board certified genetic counselor at AT-GC.com. Learn more about JScreen on their website, JScreen.org. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on November 6th, 2020! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can binge over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. 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.

Exciting Announcement: This week “DNA Today” won the Best 2020 Science and Medicine Podcast in The 15th Annual Podcast Awards! This is thanks to each and every listener who nominated and voted for the show. THANK YOU for being such loyal listeners for the past 8 years. We’ve been nominated for four years, and it’s incredible to win this year! For those that aren’t familiar, The Podcast Awards are the longest running podcast awards event open to shows worldwide, this year there was 250,000 people who nominated shows. Michael Schnall-Levin joins host Kira Dineen on this episode to explore genetic testing technology including next-gen sequencing, single cell sequencing and bioinformatics. This episode is part 6 of our ongoing direct-consumer genetic testing series, check out our previous episodes for other deep dives into DTC topics. Michael is the Senior Vice President President of Product, Research and Development and Founding Scientist at 10x Genomics. Before joining 10x Genomics, Michael was an NSF postdoctoral fellow with Eric Lander at the Broad Institute where he worked on developing novel applications of DNA sequencing technologies. Prior to that, Michael worked at Foundation Medicine, where he developed some of the early algorithms to accurately detect mutations in patient tumor samples. Michael earned his PhD in Mathematics from MIT with Bonnie Berger, where he was both a Hertz fellow and NDSEG fellow, and his BA in Physics from Harvard College. On This Episode We Discuss: Steps to Sequence DNA/RNA Sanger and Next Gen Sequencing Single Cell Sequencing Process, Accuracy, Advantages Ultiziting in Cancer, Immunotherapy Bioinformatics Future of Genetic Testing Learn more about 10X Genomics on their website, Twitter and Facebook. Picture Genetics is our sponsor for this DTC genetic testing series and offers a unique DNA testing service. These tests are designed for every stage of life, from family planning and newborn health, to personal wellness and disease risk. Unlike other companies, this is actually a clinical grade test where physicians and genetic counselors are involved. The test sequences entire genes that are medically actionable. It’s easy to order and understand with good looking reports! To order your Picture Genetics go to picturegenetics.com and use code “DNATODAY” for 25% off and free-shipping! Get actionable genetic insights today to benefit your family of tomorrow. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on October 23th where we continue our direct-to-consumer genetic testing podcast series! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

This episode is part of our ongoing direct-consumer genetic testing series. Joining the show is an award-winning journalist, Libby Copeland. Copeland, who writes about culture, science and human behavior, is the author of a new book, “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are,” which explores the personal, familial and ethical implications of recreational DNA testing. Copeland was a reporter and editor at The Washington Post for eleven years, has been a media fellow and guest lecturer, and has made numerous appearances on television and radio. Enter our giveaway to win a copy of Libby Copeland’s book, “The Lost Family” on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Also be sure to enter our mentor session giveaway with our host Kira Dineen who will be meet with the winner in an hour zoom call to discuss applying to genetic counseling schools including essays and resumes. On This Episode We Discuss: DTCs Topics explored in “The Lost Family” Approach and implications of Yaniv Erlich’s 2013 groundbreaking study identifying “anonymous” male DNA donation to research Ancestry information revealed through the Y chromosome Companies that offer Y and mitochondrial DNA testing Previous genetic database techniques to catch criminals Databases and techniques used to catch the Golden State Killer How CODIS works for law enforcement Companies with the largest databases Changes to GEDmatches policy after catching the Golden State Killer Law/protections to prevent law enforcement from using genetic genealogical databases The relationship between FamilyTreeDNA and the FBI Status of DTC genetic testing companies opt in/out policies The amount of the American American population that could be identified from the DTC databases Picture Genetics is our sponsor for this DTC genetic testing series and offers a unique DNA testing service. These tests are designed for every stage of life, from family planning and newborn health, to personal wellness and disease risk. Unlike other companies, this is actually a clinical grade test where physicians and genetic counselors are involved. The test sequences entire genes that are medically actionable. It’s easy to order and understand with good looking reports! To order your Picture Genetics go to picturegenetics.com and use code “DNATODAY” for 25% off and free-shipping! Get actionable genetic insights today to benefit your family of tomorrow. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on October 2nd, 2020 where we continue our DTC genetic testing series! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube, including our book giveaway! Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

As part of this episode, 23andMe giving away a free DNA kit! To enter, go to DNA Today’s Twitter/Facebook (@DNApodcast) and Instagram (@DNAradio) and look for the post of a picture of a 23andMe kit with the simple instructions to enter. Don’t miss your chance to win this free DNA kit! Anne Greb, MS, CGC joins the show to share her expertise on direct-to-consumer genetic testing as part of our ongoing series on DNA Today. She is a genetic counselor and serves as lead of the medical education team at 23andMe. In this role, she is responsible for developing educational initiatives that equip healthcare professionals to better integrate personalized genetic information into the everyday care of their patients. Previously Anne was the program director of 3 genetic counseling programs, Wayne State University, Long Island University and Sarah Lawrence College. She also directed the medical genetics course taken by first year medical students at Wayne State University. On This Episode We Discuss: Consumers’ motivations to pursue direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing Potential integration of DTCs into routine medical care Accuracy of DTCs (Ambry Paper) BRCA testing of 3 variants Recommendations on Utilizing Results Educating Consumers on Result Implications Advice for Genetic Counselors with Patients Presenting DTCs Extra Information from Raw Data 23andMe Research Protection of Consumers’ Data Future of 23andMe Are you looking for COVID-19 testing? Our sponsor of this DTC genetic testing series is Picture Genetics, who is now offering FDA-authorized test kits. And you don’t have to leave the house, the kits are shipped directly to your home. Ordering takes only a few minutes by answering some questions about any exposures or symptoms you may have had. You can order your kit directly at picturegenetics.com. For more information about 23andMe you can check out their website, follow on Twitter, and like on Facebook/Instagram. Healthcare providers can also visit 23andMe.com/medical for further information. Don’t forget to enter our giveaway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next month which continues our DTC genetic testing series! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Picture Genetics Kit Giveaway! Enter to win your own free kit on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Guests for this episode are from Fulgent Genetics (offering Picture Genetic kits), which is the sponsor of this new Direct To Consumer Genetic Testing Series. Jessica Shiles is a genetic counselor and Dr. Samuel Strom is the lab director. Jessica serves as Fulgent’s Clinical Genetics Marketing Specialist. Her main role is to provide clinical training and expertise to help develop marketing material that is used to educate, support, and inform the patients and providers Fulgent serves. With Jessica’s strong passion for patient advocacy, she also leads Fulgent’s community outreach. She is a fellow Sarah Lawrence College’s alumni where she received her Masters of Science in Human Genetics. Previously Dr. Strom was an assistant professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine where he pioneered interpreting genomics results in the context of clinical diagnostic testing for rare inherited diseases and cancer. At Fulgent, he is continuing to forward this new science at an industrial scale. He is also an accomplished researcher in the fields of neurogenetics, ophthalmic genetics, and molecular diagnostics, with publications in top journals such as Science, JAMA, Genetics in Medicine, and Human Molecular Genetics. On This Episode We Discuss: Overview of Picture Genetics’ approach to DTCs (including genetic counseling) Difference between DTC genotyping and sequencing Conditions on carrier screening (Picture Parenting) Ideal time for carrier screening Newborn testing for healthy vs sick babies Newborn testing vs newborn screening Conditions on newborn testing (Picture Newborn) Value of newborn testing after negative carrier screening ACMG59 qualification of conditions (Picture Wellness) Purpose of ordering testing on the ACMG59 genes COVID-19 DTC testing, including FDA approval There is one correction during the episode, Jessica mentioned ACMG when she meant to say ACOG. As a DNA Today listener you can order your kits with code “DNATODAY” for a 25% discount and free shipping. Order at picturegenetics.com and the kit will be delivered right to your home! Thanks for Picture Genetics for sponsoring this DTC series. Don’t forget to enter our Picture Genetics Kit Giveaway on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on September 4th, 2020! New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episodes thrown in there. In the meantime, you can listen to over 125 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or streaming on the website. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Dr. Adam Rutherford is our guest for this second installment of our Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing series. He is a geneticist, author, and broadcaster. Dr. Rutherford has a PhD in Genetics, a degree in evolutionary biology, and is an honorary Research Fellow at UCLA. He was an audio-visual content editor for the journal Nature for a decade, and is a frequent contributor to the newspaper The Guardian. On radio, he is the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship science program, Inside Science, as well as many documentaries. On TV, he has presented multiple BBC series including The Beauty of Anatomy, The Gene Code, and award winners Playing God and The Cell. Dr. Rutherford has also been a scientific advisor to films including Biophilia Live, World War Z, The Secret Service and Ex Machina (2015). He has authored multiple books including, “A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived” and the book we will be discussing today, “How to Argue With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say About Human Difference” which is being released this August! Enter our giveaway for a copy of his book on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. On This Episode We Discuss: How genetics is woven into the history of race Discrepancy of papertrails and ancestry reports from DTCs between European and non-European descent What DTC companies can do to address this racial disparity How genetics of ethnicity contradict Dawkins’ “tyranny of the discontinuous mind” concept How is it possible to not be genetically related to an ancestor What we can learn by comparing the genomes of African and African-American people How consumer ancestry genetic testing affects how we think about our genetic differences Olympics reveal of the limitation genetic predisposition DTCs contribution to racial reification Sponsoring this episode is Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling (AT-GC) which provides virtual appointments to meet with a certified genetic counselor. These one-on-one conversations can help you understand how your own genetics may play a role in your health. Access to healthcare should not be dependent on where you live, which is why ATGC was founded! You can schedule your telehealth appointment directly on their website. As mentioned in the episode, you can signup here for the next free Phenotips Speaker Series on August 12th at 12pmET. Our host Kira Dineen will be interviewing Ellen Matloff about “The Evolving Role of Genetic Counselors in Precision Medicine”. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 21st! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can binge 125 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway! If you can’t wait to see if you've won, head over to Amazon to order your copy. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.