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DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Written by: Kira Dineen Gene Pool Media
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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 365+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at info@DNAtoday.com.

DNA Today, LLC 2012-2024 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • #380 “Rare Rebels”: When Parents Drive Science, The Story of MPS I

    #380 “Rare Rebels”: When Parents Drive Science, The Story of MPS I
    Feb 6 2026
    To kick off Rare Disease Month we are thrilled to share the pilot of the newest podcast in our Gene Pool Media science podcast network, Rare Rebels. The Rare Rebels™ Podcast shares raw, unscripted conversations with patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates who are changing the future of rare disease. Through these real voices, Rare Rebels builds understanding, inspires action, and drives change. The host Melody Joy Paine is a thought provoking and empathic interview. It is not surprising that she has won multiple awards for her storytelling and advocacy work. In this episode, a rare disease dad and advocate, Mark Dant, tells the story of his son, Ryan, being diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I, and the scientist Dr. Emil Kakkis whose persistence changed their lives. In This Episode: Mark Dant’s personal journey as a parent advocate after his son Ryan’s diagnosis with MPS IBeing told “nothing can be done” and choosing to challenge that narrativeNavigating rare disease advocacy before the internet, social media, or established drug development pathwaysTeaching himself medical and scientific concepts without formal trainingEarly advocacy tactics: medical dictionaries, libraries, conferences, and cold outreachBuilding a nonprofit organization from the ground up to support research and familiesThe fragmented healthcare and research system rare disease families faced in the 1990sThe critical role of relationships in advancing rare disease researchMark’s partnership with physician-scientist Dr. Emil Kakkis and how trust fueled progressBridging families, clinicians, and researchers to accelerate treatment developmentThe path to developing the first treatment for MPS IHow one family’s advocacy changed outcomes for future patientsParents as drivers of innovation in rare diseasePersistence, collaboration, and problem-solving in the absence of clear systemsEnduring lessons for today’s rare disease community and advocates Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network: Rare Rebels is the newest show on science podcast network Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to all the podcasts in our network, you should check them via the links below! RealPharmaBeyond The Thesis with Papa PhDDNA DialoguesIt Happened To MeAll Access DNA#ThroughTheGenesDemystifying GeneticsPhenoTips Speaker Series Parálisis Cerebral RespuestasHumanism TodayGods and Genes If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email us directly at info@genepoolmedia.com. We’d love to chat with you about the benefits of joining the network. Here and there we have been sharing episodes from other podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network right here on DNA Today. Relevant Resources: Rare Rebels Website Rare Rebels on Spotify Rare Rebels on Apple Podcasts MedlinePlus’ Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler Syndrome) Page Genetic Rare Disease Information Center: Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 Page Gene Reviews’ Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Page Dr. Emil Kakkis Developing Enzyme Replacement Therapy for MPS I The Orphan Drug Act 1983 strongly influenced by The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) National Organization For Rare Disorders (NORD) EveryLife Foundation For Rare Diseases Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #171 Farber Disease with Aceragen (also a lysosomal storage disorder) #292 TALEN® Gene Editing Technology with Cellectis (MPS type I Research) #372 Fighting for Time: Hunter Syndrome (MPS Type II), Gene Therapy & Urgent Advocacy #371 Growing Old Too Fast: A Mother’s Fight for Cockayne Syndrome Advocacy #376 Why Females with Fabry Disease Aren’t “Just Carriers” (Also a lysosomal storage disorder) #378 Why This Week’s NIH Funding Vote Matters for Rare Disease Patients 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 380 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! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer 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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • #379 Global Cancer Diagnostics: Building High-Quality Cancer Genomic Testing

    #379 Global Cancer Diagnostics: Building High-Quality Cancer Genomic Testing
    Jan 30 2026
    As we approach World Cancer Day on February 4th, this episode of DNA Today takes a global look at how cancer diagnostics are evolving, not just in research settings, but in real-world clinical laboratories where innovation must meet reliability, scalability, and patient impact. In this conversation, we bring together three experts from around the world working at the intersection of oncology diagnostics, sequencing technology, and clinical implementation. Joining us from Portugal is Dr. Jorge Lima of IPATIMUP, one of Europe’s leading oncology centers known for its research-driven diagnostic mission. From Italy, Bernard Okere joins us as a Field Application Scientist at MGI Tech, a company providing a full spectrum of sequencing platforms and automation solutions for life science and clinical laboratories worldwide. And from China, we’re joined by Nancy Yang, International Senior Business Development Manager at Gene+, a genetic testing and precision oncology company behind one of the largest oncology gene panels currently in clinical use. Together, we explore how IPATIMUP has implemented large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing, including Gene+’s 1,021-gene DNA panel and RNA sequencing, to expand diagnostic confidence while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. This episode dives into validation, automation, workflow design, and cross-company partnerships, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how modern oncology labs grow without compromising quality. In This Episode, We Discuss Setting the Stage: IPATIMUP’s Role in Oncology How IPATIMUP fits into Europe’s oncology landscapeWhy a research-driven approach is central to its diagnostic mission From Research to Routine Diagnostics Translating research findings into clinical workflowsBalancing innovation with responsibility in patient-facing diagnostics Choosing the Right Technology Partner Why IPATIMUP selected MGI sequencing platformsWhat differentiates MGI’s technology in oncology applicationsThe importance of flexibility across DNA and RNA testingWhy long-term technical collaboration matters beyond installation Large Gene Panels in Clinical Practice How Gene+ selected the 1,021 genes included in its oncology panelReal-world experience using large DNA and RNA panels in routine diagnosticsWhy the Gene+ panel pairs effectively with MGI’s sequencing platformsWhat it takes to move from validation to clinical implementation RNA Sequencing as a Diagnostic Advantage How RNA sequencing complements DNA-based testing in oncologyWhen RNA sequencing provides the most clinical valueHow RNA data can increase diagnostic confidence in complex cases Automation, Scale, and Quality Why automation is essential for high-throughput oncology labsReducing hands-on time and minimizing human errorPractical advice for labs looking to scale while maintaining consistency and quality Relevant Resources: IPATIMUPMGI TechMGI’s Sequencing Platforms Gene+ Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #355 How Genomics Is Transforming Rare Disease Diagnosis in Turkey with MGI Tech #360 Hereditary Breast Cancer on the Big Screen with “Love, Danielle” #364 Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Italy: A Curated Gene Panel 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 375 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! For the past five years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer 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.
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    34 mins
  • #378 Why This Week’s NIH Funding Vote Matters for Rare Disease Patients

    #378 Why This Week’s NIH Funding Vote Matters for Rare Disease Patients
    Jan 24 2026
    January 24th, 2026 Update: Great news, the House of Representatives passed legislation providing strong funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The next step is for the Senate to pass this legislation, the vote is scheduled for the week of January 26th. Urge your senators to pass this legislation, MDA made it easy to do so here. Our host Kira Dineen already reached out to her congressmen in Connecticut, Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, to support the vote scheduled to happen the week of January 26th, 2026. After you reach out to your senators, post it on social, and tag us (@DNATodayPodcast) and MDA (@mdaorg) so we can repost you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What happens to rare disease families when federal research funding slows down, or gets cut? In this breaking news, bonus episode of DNA Today, we’re digging into what NIH funding cuts mean in real terms: delayed clinical trials, fewer research dollars for ultra-rare conditions, and a slower path from discovery to treatment. We’re joined by Paul Melmeyer, who serves as the Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In this role, Paul leads MDA’s policy and advocacy initiatives pertaining to public health, therapeutic development, access to care, and disabilities. Prior to joining MDA, Paul spent over six years with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). At NORD, Paul led the Federal policy operations in developing and advocating for the enactment and implementation of pro-rare disease patient policy. Paul also holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the George Washington University. We unpack what’s happening in Washington DC in late January 2026, what it could mean for neuromuscular disease research, and more generally the rare disease community, and what we can do about it. In This Episode, We Discuss What’s Actually Happening With NIH Funding Why the phrase “NIH cuts” understates the real-world impact on patients and familiesWhat proposed reductions for Fiscal Year 2026 could mean for rare disease researchHow grant freezes, terminations, and delayed renewals disrupt active studies and clinical trials Why Rare Disease Research Is Especially at Risk Why rare disease programs are more sensitive to funding instability than common conditionsThe difference between slowed progress and permanent loss for progressive neuromuscular diseasesHow NIH funding supports the entire pipeline—from basic science and natural history studies to biomarkers and trialsWhat happens when labs lose funding: loss of expertise, momentum, and institutional knowledge Neuromuscular Disease Research in 2026 Where neuromuscular research stands today and what breakthroughs are closest to patientsWhich types of studies are most vulnerable to funding cutsHow NIH investment influences industry confidence and pharmaceutical partnerships in ultra-rare diseases Policy Realities & Misconceptions How to explain to policymakers that cutting research now increases long-term healthcare costs laterCommon misconceptions about NIH funding and why rare disease research can’t simply “pause and restart” Advocacy: What You Can Do Right Now The most effective actions for advocates engaging Capitol Hill todayWhat makes a patient or family story resonate with lawmakers and staffersHow collective advocacy protects not just future discoveries, but lives happening right now Relevant Resources: Click here to urge you senators to pass legislation this week to support the NIH (mda.org/supportNIH). The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration the week of January 26th, 2026. MDA Advocacy Landing PageMDA Advocacy Action CenterDonate to MDAMDA's X PageMDA's Instagram PageRequest MDA Services We Work For Health Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #306 NIH’s Dr. Francis Collins’ Leadership in the Human Genome Project and COVID-19#327 How Patient Advocacy is Changing Rare Disease Research#356 From Statehouse to Capitol Hill: A Guide to Effective Advocacy for Rare Diseases#363 ASHG 2025 Recap: AI Diagnostics, Genetics Publications & Losing NIH Funding#370 Genetics Wrapped: 2025 Top Advances in Genomic Medicine (including NIH changes with former NHGRI Director Dr. Eric Green) Connect With Us: Usually we release new episodes on Friday, but since this was so timely we released it as a bonus episode. You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 375 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! DNA Today is ...
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    33 mins
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