DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast copertina

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Di: Kira Dineen Gene Pool Media
Ascolta gratuitamente

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 Science and Medicine Podcast Award Winner (2020, 2021 and 2022)***

Learn more (and stream all 400+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at info@DNAtoday.com.


This show is part of "Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network" head to GenePoolMedia.com to explore all our science themed shows.

DNA Today, LLC 2012-2026 Scienza Scienze biologiche
Episodi
  • #400 The Story Behind "DNA Today"

    #400 The Story Behind "DNA Today"
    Jun 26 2026
    Four hundred episodes. Nearly fourteen years of conversations. One podcast that began with a high school student, a Rock Band microphone, and a deep curiosity about genetics. For this milestone episode, DNA Today is turning the microphone around. Kira Dineen is joined by Jess Rizzo, a 2026 graduate of the Rutgers University Genetic Counseling Master’s Program, to look back at the evolution of DNA Today, from its earliest episodes in 2012 to becoming a multi-award-winning genetics podcast and the foundation for Gene Pool Media. Kira shares how the original idea for DNA Today came together, where the name came from, and what she remembers about recording those first episodes. She also reflects on the major turning points that shaped the podcast, including its first sponsorship, conversations with prominent leaders in genetics, and interviews that changed how she thinks about both science and storytelling. The conversation explores what makes someone an effective science communicator, what separates a good podcast guest from an unforgettable one, and how DNA Today expanded into Gene Pool Media. Kira also looks ahead to the future of the podcast and considers whether the version of herself who started the show in 2012 could ever have imagined reaching Episode 400. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round of “DNA Today Superlatives,” featuring Kira’s dream guests, proudest episode production, most surprising topics, most popular episode, and the conversations that have had the greatest personal impact on her. An exciting announcement, since recording we learned we have been ranked number one on Million Podcast’s list of “Best DNA Podcasts in the US”. Thank you to our audience for sticking with us! Whether you have been listening since 2012, or last week. We appreciate your support in growing DNA Today over the last 14 years. About Host Kira Dineen Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM (she/her) has 15 years of podcast experience fueled by a passion for science communication. She has hosted and/or produced a dozen podcasts, many of which are in her science podcast network: Gene Pool Media. Her flagship show, DNA Today, is in the top 1% of podcasts globally. Listeners Discover New Advances in the world of genetics through Kira’s interviews about genetic technology, disorders, and news. The show has won the Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award for three years, among others. Over the last 14 years, DNA Today has produced over 400 episodes with support from over 100 sponsors. She was accepted into The Podcast Academy and previously served on the National Society of Genetic Counselor’s Digital Ambassador program. Kira received her Diagnostic Genetic Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of Connecticut and is a certified Cytogenetic Technologist. She received her Master’s of Science at Sarah Lawrence College and is a practicing licensed certified genetic counselor at a high risk pregnancy center in Connecticut. Kira serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bay Path University teaching Ethics and Reproductive Genetics. In This Episode, We Discuss How DNA Today began in 2012The story behind the podcast’s nameWhat the earliest recordings were likeHow the show has evolved over 400 episodesMajor episodes and guests that shaped the direction of the podcastThe first DNA Today sponsorship on Episode 100 (shoutout KGI) What makes a strong science communicatorThe qualities that make a podcast guest memorableHow Gene Pool Media grew out of DNA TodayThe lessons Kira has learned from interviewing patients, families, researchers, genetic counselors, physicians, advocates, and other expertsThe future of DNA Today and Gene Pool MediaKira’s favorite, most impactful, and most surprising episodes DNA Today Episodes Referenced #25: Hereditary Cancer Syndromes with Ellen Matloff #110: Analyzing Gattaca#142 Barbara Fortini on KGI’s Genomic Data Analytics#100: Human Hereditary with Carl Zimmer#211: Gene Patents with Jorge Contreras #264: XXY/Klinefelter Syndrome with Ryan Bregante#288 and #289: Sickle Cell Disease CRISPR Treatment with Victoria Gray#300: “The Man with 1,000 Kids” Netflix Doc with Eve Wiley and Laura #306: Human Genome Project and COVID-19 Leadership with Dr. Francis Collins#370: Genetics Wrapped: 2025 Top Advances in Genomic Medicine with Drs. Eric Green and Sarah Tishkoff#390: Pfeiffer Syndrome with Prince’s Wife/Co-Parent, Mayte Garcia Additional Resources Referenced Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network Listen & Learn: A Rare Disease Podcast Course by Gene Pool MediaDNA Dialogues: The Official Podcast of the Journal of Genetic Counseling DNA Clarity and Support Podcast All Access DNA Podcast Mugglecast: A Harry Potter Podcast (2005-Present)Keck Graduate Institute Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic CounselingMaster of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics My Gene Counsel “My Medical Choice” Angelina Jolie’s NTY ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    35 min
  • #399 How PKU Changed Newborn Screening Forever

    #399 How PKU Changed Newborn Screening Forever
    Jun 19 2026
    What condition helped spark the creation of newborn screening in the United States? It was Phenylketonuria, or PKU, a rare inherited metabolic disorder that forever changed how we identify and treat genetic conditions from the very start of life. In this in-person episode of DNA Today, we kick off a three-part series on phenylketonuria, better known as PKU, by looking at how one condition became central to a major public health shift. Host Kira Dineen is joined in person by Sarah Chamberlin and Ryan Miller to explore the scientific, clinical, historical, and deeply personal sides of PKU. We explore the history of newborn screening itself, including the work of Dr. Robert Guthrie and the development of the Guthrie card. Sarah brings a remarkable piece of history to the recording: the original stamp used to create early Guthrie cards. Ryan, Sarah, and Kira unpack why PKU remains both a newborn screening success story and an ongoing challenge. From treatment access and medical nutrition coverage to state-by-state differences in newborn screening panels and the promise and complexity of newborn sequencing, this episode shows why PKU is still shaping conversations about genetics, public health, and rare disease care. Thank you to PTC Therapeutics for sponsoring this three-part series on PKU. Our guests are participating in this podcast to share their experience and opinions only. They are not providing any medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider for treatment and screening advice. Episode Discussion Topics Why PKU helped launch newborn screening in the United StatesWhat life was like for individuals with PKU before newborn screeningHow PKU affects the body on a metabolic levelThe role of phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiencyWhy elevated phenylalanine levels can impact brain developmentDr. Robert Guthrie’s role in developing newborn screeningThe history and significance of the Guthrie cardSarah’s experience learning her daughter’s newborn screen was flagged for PKUWhat confirmatory testing and early treatment looked like for IzzyHow newborn screening panels vary across statesWhat the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, or RUSP, isGaps in access to medical formula and low-protein medical foodsWhy insurance coverage remains a major challenge for familiesThe promise and concerns around newborn sequencingHow clinicians can better support newly diagnosed familiesWhy connecting families with community early can be life-changingThe need for more metabolic geneticists, genetic counselors, and dietitians Guest Bios Sarah Chamberlin is a parent of a child with PKU and a founder and the Chief Program Officer of flok, a patient advocacy organization supporting individuals and families affected by inherited metabolic disorders. Ryan Miller is Senior Director, Field Medical Lead at PTC Therapeutics on the U.S. Medical Affairs Metabolism team, where he supports PKU. He is trained as a genetic counselor. Resources PKU / PhenylketonuriaPhenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency ACT SheetThe Newborn Screening Information Center (NBSIC)Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, or RUSPRUSP overview for familiesACMG Newborn Screening ACT Sheets and Algorithmsflok healthBaby’s First Test: Newborn Screening InformationNational PKU Alliance Referenced DNA Today Podcast Episode #394 How Newborn Sequencing Could Transform Pediatric Rare Disease Care in Florida Connect With Us Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 400 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! The video component of this episode is available on our YouTube channel and website. Some of these episodes were filmed at our home studio, the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead is Liv Davidson. Our Digital Marketing and Automation Lead is Eric Knaus. And the Graphic Designer of our logo is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    40 min
  • #398 Soil Microbiomes, Plant Genetics, and Groundswell with Nikki Reed and Rebecca Tickell

    #398 Soil Microbiomes, Plant Genetics, and Groundswell with Nikki Reed and Rebecca Tickell
    Jun 12 2026
    What if the future of human health doesn’t just begin in the clinic, but in the soil? In this episode of DNA Today, we explore the new documentary Groundswell, the final chapter in the regenerative agriculture documentary trilogy that began with Kiss the Ground and continued with Common Ground. Narrated by Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson, Groundswell follows regenerative agriculture solutions across five continents, showing how restoring soil health can support biodiversity, food systems, local economies, climate resilience, and human health. This episode takes DNA Today into a different but deeply relevant corner of genetics and genomics. While we often focus on human genetics, Groundswell broadens the lens to show how genetics is embedded in entire ecosystems. Soil is alive with microbial diversity. Plants depend on complex relationships with bacteria, fungi, insects, and the environment around them. Crop diversity and seed diversity can influence resilience to drought, pests, disease, and changing climate conditions. Human health is also shaped not only by our DNA, but by the environments we live in, the food we eat, the water we drink, the chemicals we are exposed to, and the microbes we encounter. Joining us are Nikki Reed, co-producer of Groundswell, and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, co-director of the film. About Nikki Reed Many listeners will know Nikki from her role as Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga, as well as her work in Thirteen, which she co-wrote and starred in, and her role in The O.C. Beyond acting, Nikki is also a filmmaker, farmer, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate. About Rebecca Harrell Tickell Rebecca Harrell Tickell is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and environmental activist whose work includes Kiss the Ground, Common Ground, and now Groundswell. Through this trilogy, Rebecca and her collaborators have helped bring regenerative agriculture into mainstream conversations about climate, food, health, and the future of farming. In This Episode, We Discuss How Nikki Reed’s experience in Twilight shaped the way she thinks about storytelling, cultural influence, and using her platform for impactWhy Nikki became involved in regenerative agriculture and how her connection to food, farming, and environmental advocacy became personalWhat regenerative agriculture means and how it differs from conventional agricultureWhy healthy soil is not just “dirt,” but a living ecosystem filled with microbes, fungi, roots, insects, and organic matterHow soil health connects to plant health, nutrient cycling, water retention, and ecosystem resilienceWhy biodiversity matters above and below ground, from soil microbial communities to crops, pollinators, insects, animals, and humansHow regenerative agriculture reframes food systems as regionally specific, community-based, and connected to local ecosystemsThe connection between food, chemical exposures, the environment, and gene-environment interactionsWhy the guests see regenerative agriculture as both a practical solution and a hopeful movementHow storytelling can help make complex topics like soil science, microbes, farming systems, and climate resilience more accessible Fact Check & Context This episode includes a passionate discussion about regenerative agriculture, pesticides, cancer, fertility, carbon, and soil health. As with many topics at the intersection of environment and health, the science is complex. Here are a few important clarifications and sources for our audience members who want to dig deeper. Cancer Rates The episode references concern about rising cancer rates, including pediatric cancer and cancers in younger adults. The most accurate summary is nuanced. For childhood and adolescent cancers in the U.S., a 2025 analysis found that age-standardized cancer incidence increased from 2001 to 2016, then decreased from 2016 to 2022. Cancer death rates among U.S. youth ages 0–19 also declined 24% from 2001 to 2021, according to CDC/NCHS data. Read the study in Cancer Discovery. At the same time, early-onset colorectal cancer has clearly been increasing. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer death rates in adults under 50 have increased by about 1% per year since 2004, even as rates have declined among many older adults. Researchers are actively studying potential contributors, including diet, obesity, sedentary behavior, environmental exposures, microbiome changes, and other factors, but there is not one single proven cause. Read more from the American Cancer Society. Pesticides, Epigenetics, and Fertility The episode discusses pesticides and their potential effects on human health. A careful way to frame this is that some pesticide exposures have been associated with biological effects, including possible epigenetic changes and reproductive health concerns, especially at higher or occupational exposure levels. Risk depends on the specific chemical, dose, route of exposure, timing, and individual ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    29 min
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
Ancora nessuna recensione