Planning a pregnancy is an exciting time, filled with hope and new beginnings. Along with thinking about nutrition, doctor visits, and lifestyle changes, many couples today are also hearing about genetics and genomic testing. While this may sound complex, the idea is simple: genetics can help you understand certain health…
Most genetic testing today only happens after someone gets sick or has a strong family history. But scientists are now exploring a different approach: genomic screening for healthy adults, to find hidden risks before disease develops. A major pilot study in Australia offered free genetic screening to 10,263 adults aged…
Have you ever wondered why a medicine works well for one person but causes side effects in another? Or why some people need a higher dose to feel better, while others feel drowsy or unwell after just one tablet? A major reason is that our bodies do not process medicines…
When people think about disease risk, they often focus on two things: “Is it in my genes?” and “Does it run in my family?” The truth is that both genetics and family history matter, and they work best when used together. Understanding this combination can help people make smarter choices…
Carrier screening is a genetic test that helps identify whether a person is a carrier of an inherited genetic condition. A carrier is usually healthy and has no symptoms, but can still pass a non-working gene copy to their child. Carrier screening is most useful when planning a pregnancy, because…
Preventive healthcare has traditionally relied on a simple approach: wait for symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and then treat the disease. While this model has saved countless lives, it often detects illness only after damage has already begun. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has the potential to change that approach by helping…
Consanguinity means marriage or having children with a close biological relative, such as a first cousin or second cousin. In many communities around the world, consanguineous marriages are culturally accepted and can be common. While most children born to related parents are healthy, consanguinity is important in genetics because it…
If you’ve had genetic testing done, you may have seen the word “carrier” in your report. For many people, this term sounds alarming—but in most cases, being a carrier does not mean you are sick. Here’s a simple explanation of what it means and why it matters. What is a…
Genetic counseling helps you understand your genes, assess inherited risks, and prepare for informed health and family planning decisions. Genetic counseling is a professional service that helps individuals and families understand how genetics may affect their health, reproductive decisions, or the health of other family members. It is provided by…
Family health history is one of the most powerful yet underused tools in modern medicine. Long before genetic tests, sequencing platforms, or precision therapeutics, families carried forward a living record of health and disease through shared stories, diagnoses, and outcomes. Today, that record—when carefully observed and thoughtfully interpreted—remains indispensable for…
