Genetic Counseling, At-Home DNA Tests & CRISPR Cures - Kira Dineen | Ep 392
The Iferia Techcast · Oct 25, 2026 · 32:44
The Iferia Techcast · Oct 25, 2026 · 32:44
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Ezekiel Iferia sits down withboard-certified genetic counselor, science communicator, and host/executive producer of the award-winning podcast DNA Today, Kira Dineen (MS, CGC, CG[ASCP]CM), to explore the rapidly evolving frontier of human genetics, direct-to-consumer DNAtesting, CRISPR gene editing, and personalized "N-of-1" precision medicine.
Drawing on her diagnostic laboratory background and over five years inhigh-risk prenatal clinical practice, Kira demystifies what genetic counseling truly involves—moving beyondraw scientific data to guide families through vulnerable, high-stakes medicaldecisions. She unpacks the critical clinical limitations and privacy pitfalls ofat-home DNA kits like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, dispels the myth of genetic determinism, details the historicFDA-approved CRISPR curative therapy for sickle cell disease (featuringVictoria Gray’s story), and explains how hyper-customized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)and gene-editing trials are saving lives in nano-rare conditions.
Inthis episode, you’ll discover:
Connectwith Kira Dineen & Explore Her Work:
00:00 Welcome Kira Dineen: Certified Genetic Counselor & Host of DNA Today 01:42 The Podcast Journey: From Hunger GamesFandom to 14 Years of DNA Today 04:03 What Is a Genetic Counselor? Navigating High-Risk Prenatal Decisions 05:59 Referrals &Diagnostics: Ultrasound Anomalies and Family History 07:53 Direct-to-ConsumerDNA Kits: Accuracy, Limitations & The Book Analogy 12:07 The Unintended Consequences of Consumer Kits: Surprises & DataPrivacy 14:49 Dispelling Genetic Determinism: Lifestyle, Preventative Screening & Actionable DNA 17:16 From Wet Lab to theMic: Translating Complex Genetics for Lay Audiences 19:43 CRISPR Explained: Molecular Scissors andthe First FDA-Approved Sickle Cell Cure 22:45 Victoria Gray's Story: Living Symptom-Free with Bone Marrow Editing 24:36 Advice for FutureGeneticists: Immersive Learning and Cold Networking 27:40 What Does TrueInnovation Mean to You? (N-of-1 Therapeutics & Nano-Rare Cures) 30:52 Connect with KiraDineen, Gene Pool Media & Listen to Episode 390 of DNA Today
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