DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Rebecca Skloot, best-selling author, has published an article, "Your Cells. Their Research. Your Permission?", in it she urges the public to voice their opinions whether permission should be required by scientists to use people's cells for research. She poses the following questions for the public to comment on on a government website, but do it fast because it closes January 6th, 2016. “Should scientists have to ask permission to use all leftover clinical samples? Would you say yes? Is broad general consent enough, or do you want options for more control? Why? Should this apply to both tissues and genetic information, anonymous or not? And what if this slowed scientific progress?” Need more information to form your opinion? Check out this one page summary and videos from the Department of Health and Human Services.

I recap the UCONN BRCA event I MCed. It featured a panel of experts including a Certified Genetic Counselor (Robin Schwartz, featured below), members of the department of Public Health Genomics Advisory, Physicians and Cancer survivors. There was an interactive presentation about family history tool, education, and cancer genomics best practices. There was a discussion with medical personnel and patients about identifying risk factors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, genetic testing, how to find qualified genetic personnel, sharing a BRCA diagnosis, and ethical issues surrounding genetic testing.

It’s October and that means it National Awareness for many cancers, disorders and diseases. I discuss some of these giving a 101 lesson on the diseases such as breast cancer and liver cancer. Don't forget to attend the BRCA event, "Understanding Risk for Breast and Ovarian Cancers: A Discussion for Students as Consumers & Future Healthcare Provider". It is happening here at UCONN Storrs!

UCONN hosted a free event honoring Henrietta Lacks on September 24th, 2015 at The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The bestselling author of the book, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot presented as well as members of the Lacks family. This episode recaps the event and features an interview with descendents of Henrietta Lacks, Kimberly Lacks, granddaughter, and Veronica Spencer, great-granddaughter.

What are syndromes that elevates one’s risk for developing cancer? There are many different conditions, this episode highlights Cowden’s Syndrome, Lynch Syndrome and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. I cover information such as what the syndrome is, how it increases risk of cancer, how prevalent it is, how it is inherited, and what genes are involved.

Dr. Caroline Dealy of UCONN Health gives an inside scoop about her research on the development of the human skeleton. This regenerative research involves human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell. Dr. Dealy explains the role of genetics in these stem cells. She shares her insight on these incredible potential medical treatments for people that have lost limbs. We also discuss her role as the director of the Skeletal, Biology and Regeneration Graduate Program and what she is teaching her students in anticipation of how this field is changing.

Robin Schwartz shares her experience as a hereditary cancer genetic counselor. As a genetic counselor for over 30 years she has seen many changes in the field and provides an inside scoop. She provides information to patients who are interested in genetic counseling and how patients can prepare for a genetic counseling meeting. We discuss red flags for hereditary cancer, genetic testing, and how insurance coverage works with the cost of these services. Check out nsgc.org, mentioned by Robin Schwartz, to learn more about genetic counselors.

10 women who made major contributions to the fields of microbiology and genetics are recognized. Rosalind Franklin provided key evidence for the structure of DNA. Nettie Stevens supported her hypothesis that a fetus’s sex was determined by chromosomes, not environment. Barbara McClintock discovered mobile genetic elements. Salome Gluecksohn Waelsch founded the field of developmental genetics. Esther Lederberg discovered the lambda phage, worked on the F fertility factor, and, developed the method of replica plating. One theme throughout this episode is how little credit these women recieved for their work.

A review of a Precision Medicine Initiative presentation at Jackson Laboratory Genomic Medicine in Farmington, CT. by Dr. Jo Handelsman. Also on July 10th the 21st Century Cures Act passed in the House of Representatives, the advantages and disadvantages are explored if this is passed in the Senate.

Maddie Shaw is an active advocate with the Immune Deficiency Foundation and has a Primary Immune Deficiency Disorder (PI). She is also the Founder & Leader of Maddie’s Herd. Maddie's Herd raises awareness and research funds ($22,000 so far of her $50,000 goal!) for the ImmunoDeficiency Foundation (IDF) as 1000s of Americans are battling immunodeficiency disorders through prolonged diagnosis. Maddie is teaching doctors to "Think Zebra" when they hear hoofs. Like Maddie's Herd on Facebook to stay up to date. Don't forget to get your very own Maddie's Herd T-shirt and bracelet, both of which Ed Sheeran owns, he even wore his bracelet while playing on stage!