Most of us grow up thinking of genetic conditions as something rare—something that happens “in other families” or only when there is a known history of disease. The truth is more surprising: many healthy people unknowingly carry genetic changes that can be passed on to their children. This is where…
A patient undergoes whole genome sequencing to understand unexplained seizures. The analysis provides the answer. But it also reveals something else – a pathogenic variant associated with sudden cardiac death. The seizures are treatable. The cardiac risk, once invisible, is now preventable. No one asked that second question. But the…
Imagine going for a test to answer one simple question ‘why am I sick?‘ and discovering something entirely unexpected. That is what can happen in modern genomics. When doctors sequence a person’s DNA to look for the cause of a specific condition, they sometimes uncover incidental findings: genetic information that…
Imagine doing everything “right.” You eat reasonably well, you stay active, you don’t smoke. And yet, your cholesterol stays stubbornly high—sometimes very high. For many people, this isn’t about willpower or lifestyle. It’s about genetics. One of the most common inherited conditions affecting cholesterol is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). It causes…
Wellness DNA tests have become incredibly popular. With a simple saliva sample, you can receive reports that claim to reveal everything from your ideal diet to your fitness “type,” vitamin needs, and even some health risks. For many people, these results feel empowering—like a shortcut to better lifestyle choices. But…
For decades, genetic testing followed a simple rule. If the first test did not provide an answer, the patient often had to undergo another test years later. New samples were collected, new panels were ordered, and families waited again. Today, that approach is changing. A single genome, sequenced once, can…
Inside almost every cell in your body lives a tiny power plant called the mitochondrion. These microscopic structures generate the energy that keeps your heart beating, your brain thinking, and your muscles moving. But mitochondria carry something even more surprising: their own DNA. This small but powerful genetic code is…
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…
