• DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

  • By: Kira Dineen
  • Podcast
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast  By  cover art

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

By: Kira Dineen
  • Summary

  • Discover New Advances in the world of genetics, from technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research. For over a decade, multi-award winning podcast ”DNA Today” has brought you the voices of leaders in genetics. Host Kira Dineen brings her genetics expertise to interview geneticists, genetic counselors, patient advocates, biotech leaders, researchers, and more. ***Best 2020, 2021, and 2022 Science and Medicine Podcast Award Winner*** Learn more (and stream all 250+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at info@DNAtoday.com.
    DNA Today, LLC 2012-2024
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Episodes
  • #286 Qatar Genome Program with Dr. Said Ismail
    Apr 26 2024
    We have an international perspective in this episode who is a leader in genetics in Qatar. We previously talked to the first certified genetic counselor in Qatar, Shenela Lakhani, in Episode #109. If you haven’t yet we encourage you to check that interview out. In this episode, We learn about the Qatar Genome Program (QGP), which is part of the Qatar Foundation, from the Director himself, Dr. Said Ismail. Dr. Ismail was pivotal to the establishment of the Qatar Genome Program -- a groundbreaking genome sequencing initiative that started in 2015 and is the largest project of its kind in the Middle East. QGP was the first whole-genome sequencing operation in the region to study Qatari and Arab genomes. Dr. Said Ismail expertise and research lie in the fields of molecular biology and genetics, with a focus on cancer genetics, precision medicine, and the screening and characterization of disease-related mutations in the Arab population. Dr. Ismail has work experience across various fields, including research, education, and consultancy. He served as a consultant to several regional and international pharma and biotech companies. He headed the Jordan University Hospital molecular diagnostics reference laboratory, and was a board member of the local advisory board of the International Consortium for the American Society for Clinical Pathology International (ASCPI). He is the first president and co-founder of the International Society on Aptamers and is also an editorial board member of multiple international journals. Dr. Ismail has a special interest in promoting research among young students. He launched one of the largest efforts to enhance the Arabic medical content on the internet, The “Bel-Arabi” or “In-Arabic” initiative: "بالعربي". He is also a board member of the Phi Science Institute aiming to encourage young students to pursue careers in research. Dr. Ismail won the Said Foundation prize for young Arab researchers in the UK, and the Shoman award for Arab researchers in biomedical sciences in 2013. Dr Ismail holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford. Key Insights from the Interview: Inspiration behind QGP: Dr. Ismail shares his motivations for spearheading such a groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the importance of advancing genomic research to enhance healthcare outcomes and address the unique genetic characteristics of the Arab population.Significance of Diversity: We explore the importance of accessing diverse genomic information, particularly concerning the Arab population, in advancing precision medicine. Dr. Ismail highlights the role of QGP in uncovering genetic variations specific to the Qatari population and their implications for disease susceptibility and treatment outcomes.Collaborative Efforts: Dr. Ismail discusses QGP's collaborations with other institutions and researchers to advance genomic research globally. Through partnerships and knowledge exchange, QGP aims to contribute to the broader understanding of genomics and precision medicine.Challenges and Future Prospects: We delve into the challenges encountered in implementing precision medicine approaches and the future prospects of genomic research in Qatar and the wider region. Dr. Ismail provides insights into the evolving landscape of precision healthcare and the potential challenges that lie ahead. Relevant Links: Qatar Genome Program: https://www.qatargenome.org.qa/ News Story on QGP: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/907772 Perception of consanguineous marriage among the qatari population: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10436573/ Qatar completes genome sequencing of 30,000 citizens: https://www.gulf-times.com/article/668469/qatar/qatar-completes-genome-sequencing-of-30000-citizens Mappin The Arab Genome: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01239-0 GWAS paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21381-3 PGx paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41525-022-00281-5 Familial Cancer paper: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(21)00752-X/abstract ACMG paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/humu.24278 Population Structure paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25287-y Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 280 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, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Outreach Intern is Sanya Tinaikar. Our Social Media Intern is Kajal Patel. And our logo Graphic Designer Ashlyn Enokian. See what else we are...
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    35 mins
  • #285 AI To Enhance Variant Curation with Daniel Uribe
    Apr 19 2024
    In our most streamed episode of 2023, we delved into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on genetics with Daniel Uribe, the founder and CEO of GenoBank.io. Now, Daniel returns to the show to provide us with insights into the latest advancements in AI technology and its applications in genetics. In Episode #231, Daniel Uribe and our host Kira Dineen discussed the transformative potential of AI in genetics, focusing on its role in variant curation and diagnostic processes. Since then, AI has continued to evolve rapidly, revolutionizing the field of genetics and offering new possibilities for understanding health and DNA. Danie Uribe, MBA, founder and CEO of GenoBank.io, is at the forefront of integrating AI with genomics to empower individuals and families in understanding their health and DNA. With a deep background in data science, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics, Danie’s leadership has steered GenoBank.io to develop groundbreaking protocols that utilize BioNFTs for secure genomic data governance. His work champions the cause of data privacy and sovereignty in personal genomics, leveraging AI to demystify complex genetic information for personal health empowerment. An alumnus of IPADE Business School, Danie holds additional certifications in Ethereum Solidity Dapp, eQTL Functional Genetics, and RNA-seq Workshop. A pioneer in the DeSci movement, he is dedicated to making GenoBank.io a beacon for individuals seeking to navigate their health journey with confidence, supported by accessible and secure genomic insights. Interview Highlights: Advancements in AI Technology:Daniel provides an overview of the remarkable progress AI has made since our last conversation on Episode #231 in early 2023, highlighting its growing influence and expanding applications in genetics. From variant curation to diagnostic workflows, AI is transforming the way we understand and interpret genomic data. Current Uses of AI in Genetics:Daniel explores the diverse ways in which AI is already being utilized in genetics, from prioritizing workflow for variant curation to filtering through large volumes of genomic data. He shares real-world examples of AI-driven solutions that have enhanced efficiency and accuracy in genomic analysis. Impact on Genetic Jobs: We discuss the potential implications of AI on genetic jobs and whether AI will replace certain roles in the field. Daniel offers insights into how AI can augment the capabilities of genetic counselors and other experts, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI as a valuable tool rather than a replacement. Enhancing Variant Curation with AI:Daniel explains the role of AI in prioritizing variants for further investigation in the curation workflow and how it accelerates the diagnostic odyssey, particularly for individuals with rare diseases. He addresses concerns about costs and disparities in variant curation and discusses the potential of AI to close these gaps. Addressing Challenges and Security Concerns:We delve into the challenges genetic counselors face in adopting AI tools and discuss strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Daniel also highlights the importance of data security and the need for robust measures to protect individuals' data while utilizing AI tools in genetic analysis. Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook:Daniel provides updates on regulations and policies affecting the use of AI in genetics, particularly in the US. He shares insights into the integration of AI as a co-pilot in the profession of genetic counseling and discusses the future trajectory of AI-driven advancements in genetics. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of AI and genetics, Daniel's expertise offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of this technology. From improving diagnostic accuracy to addressing disparities in variant curation, AI holds immense promise for revolutionizing the field of genetics and enhancing patient care. Be sure to check out GenoBank.io. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 285 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, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Outreach Intern is Sanya Tinaikar. Our Social Media Intern is Kajal Patel. And our logo Graphic Designer Ashlyn Enokian. See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.
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    33 mins
  • #284 IVF Implications of Alabama's Frozen Embryo Ruling with Laura Hercher
    Apr 12 2024
    Trigger warning: In this episode sensitive topics are discussed including, but not limited to, miscarriage, sexual abuse, manslaughter, and child abuse. On February 16th, 2024 the Alabama Supreme Court brought fertility care in that state to a screeching halt—and started a national conversation—by declaring that frozen embryos were people in the eyes of the law. This is the first line of Laura Hercher’s Scientific American article, “How Arguments that Embryos Are People Pose a Threat to IVF''. And we are lucky enough to have Laura joining us to discuss this! For those that somehow don’t know Laura Hercher, you haven’t listened to enough episodes of DNA Today she has become our correspondent when major legislation happens that affects reproductive medicine, check those episodes out below. #157 NSGC 2021 Recap (Texas Abortion Ban) #191 Overturning Roe v. Wade with Laura Hercher Laura Hercher (she/her) is a genetic counselor and the Director of Student Research at Sarah Lawrence College’s Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics, where her research focuses on ethical, legal and social issues in genomic medicine. Her work as a commentator and journalist has been published in a wide variety of media outlets, including Scientific American, the MIT Technology Review, the Nation Magazine and the New York Times. At present, she is working on a book examining the societal implications of reproductive genomic medicine in the United States, tentatively entitled “The Ghettoization of Genetic Disease.” On This Episode We Discuss: Overview of the Alabama Supreme Court case and its ruling on the legal status of frozen embryosDefinition of personhood and its implications for IVF and Republican politiciansImplications of the ruling for couples seeking fertility treatment involving frozen embryosImpact of the ruling on the use of IVF for preventing hereditary conditionsConsiderations regarding legal liabilities and responsibilities for abandoned embryosHistorical exemptions of IVF from abortion restrictions and its future under personhood lawsTensions between embryo recognition as individuals and practical IVF proceduresPotential changes in availability and affordability of IVF due to legal implicationsPrecedents from other countries and legal systems regarding IVF and embryo personhood Role of the U.S. Supreme Court in adjudicating similar reproductive rights casesTeaser for Laura Hercher’s upcoming book on the societal implications of reproductive genomic medicine If you listened until the end of the episode, you heard Laura Hercher’s breaking news. No spoilers, but now you have to listen to our episode about how accurate the genetics in the 1997 movie Gattaca is today, that’s Episode #110. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 280 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, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Outreach Intern is Sanya Tinaikar. Our Social Media Intern is Kajal Patel. And our logo Graphic Designer Ashlyn Enokian. See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.
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    40 mins

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