While searching for a kidney donor, Karen Keegan stumbled upon a mystery. After undergoing genetic testing, it turned out that some of her cells had a completely different set of genes from the others. And this second set of genes belonged to her twin sister— who had never been born. How did this happen? Chimerism… Read more »
Posts By: Kayla Sheets
Sleep-training hacks for the co-sleeping family
*For those who are too sleep deprived to read, skip to the Summary! We won’t hold it against you!* This is a bit of a personal story that will help explain why our blog went radio silent in 2018. People say parenting is the hardest job you will ever face. Maybe it was… Read more »
Next on CCTV: DNA Screening For Future Parents
Thinking about growing your family? A powerful DNA test can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Find out how! Expanded Carrier Screening: Why is this DNA test considered one of the most important, valuable tests to do pre-pregnancy? How can we avoid passing on severe conditions to the next generation? Tune in to… Read more »
Can Ritz-Carlton’s Blueberry Muffins Be Made Gluten-Free?
The NYT revealed the Ritz-Carlton’s Blueberry Muffin recipe on the same day organic blueberries went on sale at Whole Foods. Whoa! The only problem is that I have a severe gluten intolerance and need to stick to my trusted almond flour. Would it work out? Could I modify the ingredients to fit my family’s… Read more »
Is Parenthood is Right For You (part 2)? Find out how our panelists made their decisions.
How does a person or couple decide to have a baby? In part 2, we asked a child-free man, a mother of two teens and a millennial woman about their experiences with this life-changing decision. What was their story? How did their partners handle it? What advice does Merle have for them? Do they have… Read more »
Is Parenthood is Right For You (part 1)? We asked one of the nation’s experts for advice.
How does a person or couple decide to have a baby? If you’re like most people, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the topic and think it is easier to, “Just let nature take its course.” But we interviewed one of the Nation’s leading experts on making this important decision…and that’s NOT what she… Read more »
Next on CCTV: What is NMO?
Imagine being 12 years old. You are perfectly healthy, leading a normal life. One morning you wake up temporarily blind. Today we will hear personal accounts what it is like to have Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and what is being done to combat the rare disease. What is the best treatment? Is genetic testing available? What… Read more »
On CCTV: Super Genes – unlocking the power of your genes for health and wellbeing
Imagine playing a card game with a deck of cards that you’re unable to change. If your deck is great then the game is easy and fun! If your deck is less desirable then you may struggle a bit in the game, always looking for a leg up. Until recently your genetic makeup was believed… Read more »
What is the latest research and care for Huntington disease? Find out on the Vibrant Gene!
Huntington Disease (HD) is a genetic disorder that affects over 30,000 people in the United States. It is a progressive neurological condition that typically strikes people in the prime of their lives. Huntington disease has been equated to having Lou Gherig, Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases— all simultaneously. But hope is rising. Families can get genetic… Read more »
FRAXA: searching for answers to the leading cause of inherited autism
As a genetic counselor who focuses on preventative care, I am asked regularly about autism. What causes autism? How can I get screened for autism? Am I at risk of having a baby with autism? Autism is considered a complex condition, with a myriad of possible risk factors. However, there is one exception; the most… Read more »