Artificial intelligence, or “AI,” refers to computer programs with the ability to solve problems, answer questions, and/or make decisions by performing tasks that typically require human intelligence or thought. If you have ever used a search engine such as Google or Bing, or asked Alexa or Siri a question, you have used some form of AI that provides previously scripted information, but recently, more advanced forms of “generative AI” such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Llama, Gemini, and Copilot have been introduced to the general public. These are tools designed to provide personalized, engaging, and efficient communication. Unlike the fixed responses of earlier versions of AI, generative forms of AI can create unique responses to a submitted prompt.

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In 2022, Patrick was diagnosed with an ultrarare genetic variant – CACNA1C – which can cause both neurological and cardiac symptoms. Today, Patrick is making incredible progress – and his heart is monitored, too, to prevent any future cardiac episodes. All of this is thanks to one little mouth swab that changed the trajectory of Patrick’s life – and a helping paw from a furry friend.

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The holiday season often means searching for the perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything. While a gift card is a safe bet, you might come across a DNA test in a holiday gift guide. A few years ago, gifting a DNA kit might have seemed unusual, but with the rise of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, it’s becoming a more popular and thoughtful option.

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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been in the news a lot recently. The recent Alabama Supreme Court decision and subsequent legislation passed in response to the ruling have started to pull back the curtain on a common way for families to grow. In the past, IVF has been perceived as an option reserved for a few people, but increasingly, more people have relied on this vital part of reproductive health care. However, patients, and even providers, often have misconceptions, which limit opportunities and harm many families that could benefit from this process. Now more than ever, it is crucial to expand the thinking behind who should have an opportunity to seek IVF care beyond infertility. Here are a few examples of who can benefit from a conversation about IVF.

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There are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting over 30 million Americans according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD por sus siglas en inglés). Many rare conditions and disorders are caused by changes in our genetic information and some of these genetic changes silently run through healthy families. People who are pregnant or considering pregnancy may explore genetic carrier screening to identify these silent genetic changes so they can make informed family planning decisions. Carrier screening is routinely offered, but many people aren’t aware of it and have questions. If you are considering carrier screening or are just curious about your options, here are some things to know and consider.

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Genevie’s children have Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a heart signaling disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats or arrhythmias, which was only discovered through genetic testing. Her youngest daughter had more severe symptoms of LQTS, and went through an extensive testing panel - which is how her husband learned he had LQTS Type 5.

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The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimated last year that around 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes. And since November is a time when we often get together with relatives, some of you may be wondering, “How worried should I be about Diabetes based on my family history?” This episode will help to answer some of those questions.

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According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men.  In fact, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. (ACS) What factors increase my risk for prostate cancer? Family history? What can I do?

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Information about the COVID-19 vaccines is rapidly emerging. Suddenly, we’re hearing terms like mRNA and DNA everywhere. For some of us, we haven’t thought about these concepts since high school biology… and now we have to make health decisions based on these concepts, which brings up questions. How exactly do these COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work? How risky are they, and can they change our DNA? In this episode we speak to a genetic counselor, a specialist in genetics, to make sense of what’s going on around us. As always, we suggest ways help you navigate and apply things in your life. 

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