DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

In celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday on February 12th, we gathered in-person with fellow science nerds to learn about evolution.  In this special live episode of DNA Today, we’re sharing highlights from Connecticut’s 18th Annual Darwin Day Dinner, a celebration of curiosity, science, and scientists held the Saturday before Darwin’s birthday on February 12th. Our host Kira Dineen led a live fireside chat with the keynote speaker from the distinguished evolutionary biologist Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten. She also introduced Senator Richard Blumenthal who gave a speech about the importance of science now more than ever.  Dr. Gogarten, a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut, is known for his groundbreaking work on the early evolution of life, horizontal gene transfer, and rooting the Tree of Life. His research has transformed how scientists understand microbial evolution and the complex genetic relationships that connect all living organisms. This episode captures select moments from the live Darwin Day program, where we explore how Charles Darwin’s famous concept of the “entangled bank” still shapes modern evolutionary biology, and where today’s science has gone far beyond what Darwin could have imagined. Together, Kira Dineen and Dr. J Peter Gogarten discuss what Darwin got right about natural selection, what modern genomics has revealed about rapid evolutionary change, and why horizontal gene transfer continues to reshape our understanding of how life evolves. The conversation also touches on real-world applications, from antibiotic resistance to emerging genetic technologies, and how curiosity drives scientific discovery across generations. The evening also featured reflections on the importance of science, humanism, and evidence-based thinking, highlighting the enduring relevance of Darwin’s ideas in today’s world.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: An introduction to Darwin’s life, his voyage on the HMS Beagle, and the creation of On the Origin of Species Exploration of natural selection and Darwin’s enduring influence on modern biology How the understanding of genetics, from Mendel to genomics, expands Darwin’s theories The role of horizontal gene transfer in microbial evolution and its significance Highlights from Connecticut’s 2026 Darwin Day celebration Charles Darwin’s “entangled bank” and its relevance today What Darwin got right—and what modern science has updated Natural selection at the gene level vs. organism level Why evolution isn’t always gradual: rapid change and hybridization Horizontal vs. vertical gene transfer explained How viruses, bacteria, and other mechanisms move genes across species The role of horizontal gene transfer in microbial evolution Real-world implications for medicine, antibiotic resistance, and biotechnology How curiosity and early inspiration shape scientific careers The importance of science communication and public engagement   About Our Guest:Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on the early evolution of life, horizontal gene transfer, and selfish genetic elements. Dr. Gogarten is widely recognized for rooting the Tree of Life and for identifying horizontal gene transfer as a major force in microbial evolution. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA’s Exobiology Program, and the Israel-U.S. Binational Science Foundation. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.   About the Event:This episode was held and recorded live at Connecticut’s 18th Annual Darwin Day Dinner, held February 7th, 2026. The event celebrated Charles Darwin’s legacy through science, discussion, and community, featuring a keynote presentation by Dr. Johan Peter Gogarten on evolution within Darwin’s “tangled ban

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 I Being told “nothing can be done” and choosing to challenge that narrative Navigating rare disease advocacy before the internet, social media, or established drug development pathways Teaching himself medical and scientific concepts without formal training Early advocacy tactics: medical dictionaries, libraries, conferences, and cold outreach Building a nonprofit organization from the ground up to support research and families The fragmented healthcare and research system rare disease families faced in the 1990s The critical role of relationships in advancing rare disease research Mark’s partnership with physician-scientist Dr. Emil Kakkis and how trust fueled progress Bridging families, clinicians, and researchers to accelerate treatment development The path to developing the first treatment for MPS I How one family’s advocacy changed outcomes for future patients Parents as drivers of innovation in rare disease Persistence, collaboration, and problem-solving in the absence of clear systems Enduring 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! RealPharma Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD DNA Dialogues It Happened To Me All Access DNA #ThroughTheGenes Demystifying Genetics PhenoTips Speaker Series  Parálisis Cerebral Respuestas Humanism Today Gods 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 [email protected]. 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 w

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 landscape Why a research-driven approach is central to its diagnostic mission From Research to Routine Diagnostics Translating research findings into clinical workflows Balancing innovation with responsibility in patient-facing diagnostics Choosing the Right Technology Partner Why IPATIMUP selected MGI sequencing platforms What differentiates MGI’s technology in oncology applications The importance of flexibility across DNA and RNA testing Why long-term technical collaboration matters beyond installation Large Gene Panels in Clinical Practice How Gene+ selected the 1,021 genes included in its oncology panel Real-world experience using large DNA and RNA panels in routine diagnostics Why the Gene+ panel pairs effectively with MGI’s sequencing platforms What it takes to move from validation to clinical implementation RNA Sequencing as a Diagnostic Advantage How RNA sequencing complements DNA-based testing in oncology When RNA sequencing provides the most clinical value How RNA data can increase diagnostic confidence in complex cases Automation, Scale, and Quality Why automation is essential for high-throughput oncology labs Reducing hands-on time and minimizing human error Practical advice for labs looking to scale while maintaining consistency and quality   Relevant Resources:  IPATIMUP MGI Tech MGI’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

February 3rd, 2026 Update: The U.S. House of Representatives passed it! Now, the bill heads to the President’s desk, where we expect him to sign it into law. This means the NIH is scheduled to receive $48.7 billion in funding (a 1% or $415 million increase over 2025). Therefore the 40% budget cut of NIH was rejected, and instead there will be a 1% increase in funding (as long as the President signs it).   January 30th, 2026 Update: Another wonderful update, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that advances top priorities for the rare disease community, including strong medical research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and across the federal government.The next step for the bill is to go back the U.S. House of Representatives for final passage.Urge your representatives to pass this legislation, MDA made it easy to do so here.    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 families What proposed reductions for Fiscal Year 2026 could mean for rare disease research How 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 conditions The difference between slowed progress and permanent loss for progressive neuromuscular diseases How NIH funding supports the entire pipeline—from basic science and natural history studies to biomarkers and trials What 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 patients Which types of studies are most vulnerable to funding cuts How NIH investment influences industry confidence and pharmaceutical partnerships in ultra-rare diseases Policy Realities & Misconceptions How to explain to policymakers that cutting research now increase

What happens when a loved one is trying to age at home, their memory is changing, and their medications suddenly start causing more harm than help? In this episode of DNA Today, we’re talking about aging in place, memory care, and an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle, how someone’s genetics can affect the way they respond to medications later in life. Our guest is Michele Magner, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, caregiver advocate, and educator who works closely with families navigating dementia, chronic illness, and the emotional realities of caregiving. With deep experience in senior living, gerontology, and family coaching, Michele helps people prepare not just for what’s happening now, but for what comes next. We’ll explore how pharmacogenomics fits into home-based elder care, why medication reactions are so common in older adults, and how caregivers can better advocate for safer, more personalized care. On This Episode We Discuss: Aging in Place & Memory Care What families are most concerned about when trying to keep a loved one at home How memory-related illnesses change caregiving compared to physical limitations alone Common misconceptions about the progression of cognitive decline What “successful aging in place” realistically looks like Medication Challenges in Older Adults Why polypharmacy is so common—and so risky—in later life How medications that once worked well can become problematic over time Real-world examples of unexpected medication reactions in individuals with memory changes Why older adults are especially vulnerable to side effects, particularly with cognitive impairment Pharmacogenomics, Explained for Caregivers What pharmacogenomics (PGX) is and how to explain it to families in practical terms Why genetic-informed prescribing can become relevant later in life, even if medications were previously tolerated How PGX may help prevent medication-related crises before they happen PGX in Home-Based Memory Care How pharmacogenomics could reshape medication decisions for dementia care Medication categories that often raise red flags in older adults How genetic insights may help protect individuals who can’t clearly report side effects Advocacy, Access & System Gaps Barriers families face when trying to access PGX-informed care How caregivers can request medication reviews without feeling confrontational Where healthcare systems often fall short of the realities families manage at home Looking Ahead What it would mean to routinely integrate pharmacogenomics into elder care Michele’s key message for caregivers navigating medications, memory care, and aging in place Our Guest:  Michele Magner has a passion for connecting with people as we navigate the adventures of aging and caregiving! As an experienced family caregiver, with many years in the Senior Living industry, she understands the challenges we are facing as we age and care for those we love. Michele sets people up for success so they are inspired to thrive, not just survive, this one big, beautiful, and complicated life.Michele has earned her M.B.A., Masters Certification in Gerontology and is a Gerontology Ph.D. student at UNO. She is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Conscious Aging facilitator. Michele is an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University, teaching Long Term Care Administration. She serves on 2 Board of Directors, the Alzheimer’s Association NE Chapter and The Bloc. Inc. Michele also contributes to the Dreamweaver Foundation, making wishes for people in senior living come true. She continues to share fresh content and ideas through her Inspired Caring podcast and programs, in addition to private and group coaching. Relevant Resources: Need Health?  UChicago News: Women are overmedicated because drug dosage trials are done on men, study findsClinPGx Sequence2Script The PREPARE Study Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Impl