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How a giant family tree helped geneticists trace a DNA variant back to Denmark
What do we do once we know a hereditary disease exists in a family? Researchers and genetics experts are finding new and novel ways to combine medical research with family history of the genealogical kind.
Pharmacogenomics: Searching for DNA Test Results That Give Insight Into Medications
Pharmacogenomics compares differences in peoples’ DNA and the impact that certain medications might have, the dosage a doctor might prescribe, response to medications, and potential side effects.
IRS Gives Go-Ahead to Claim Tax Break for 23andMe’s Health-Related DNA Testing
US customers of 23andMe can request reimbursement for part of their testing.
Should People Have at-Home DNA Tests for Medical Purposes?
I’m often asked for my thoughts on whether at-home DNA tests should be used for medical purposes, since they are the only option some people can afford.
DNA Testing and Family Medical History: A Short Intro for Genealogists
There are a million ways to create a family medical history, and countless number of reasons to do it. Luckily, there are online resources to help you.
(Don’t) Be Still, My Beating Heart
February is Heart Month, which makes it a perfect time to discuss heart health and how genetic counseling and DNA testing might help you understand your chance of heart disease.
“Pharmaco-Whaat?! Understanding Pharmacogenomic Testing and How It Could Aid Your Doctor in Prescribing Medication
Pharmacogenomics is an area of genetics focused on understanding how our unique genetic code determines how we might respond to certain medications.
Open Your at-Home DNA Alzheimer’s Report When You’re Already on the Phone With a Genetic Counselor
Panic doesn’t have to be part of the equation if you find out you have an elevated risk of developing alzheimer’s disease.
Filtering a Promethease Report: One Genetic Counselor’s Strategy
There's no right or wrong way to filter through the results of raw genomic data and no professional standards or guidelines about how to do. So I've come up with my own strategy for how to do it out of necessity.
Should You Do a Home DNA Test for Alzheimer’s?
We don't know and understand all the factors that cause Alzheimer's yet, so while genetic testing can be helpful, it oftentimes won't be able to tell the whole story.
Parkinson's Disease and Genetic Testing - What You Need to Know
23andMe now provides FDA-approved reports on Parkinson's disease risk, and I thought readers could benefit from a post specific to the condition. This guest post was written by my friend and former colleague, Lola Cook Shukla, who specializes in the genetics of Parkinson's disease.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: what it is, and resources for you
Meet Kim Brown Foil. Kim is a genetic counselor and an expert in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
MTHFR, and the Watershed DNA Approach to DNA Testing
There is a growing issue of certain practitioners recommending genetic testing for MTHFR so that they can sell you supplements.