Recent Articles:

CRISPR Babies and HIV Resistance - Headline news from two weeks ago proclaimed that the first genetically modified babies (twins) had been born in China. The CRISPR gene editing tool had been used on the embryo to edit the babies’ genome Read more…
Bipolar disorder, depression, and circadian clock genes - Depression and bipolar disorder are often thought of as being caused by a lack of neurotransmitters. Many of us first learned about neurotransmitters by watching TV commercials for SSRI’s like the ones for Zoloft. New Read more…
PCSK9 Gene Variants and Cholesterol - The PCSK9 gene codes for an enzyme that is involved in cholesterol transport. It binds to LDL particles which transport fat molecules, including cholesterol, throughout the body. LDL particles bind to LDL receptors which allows Read more…
Are you genetically more likely to have twins? - Twins tend to ‘run in families’, which is a colloquial way of saying that there is a hereditary component that increases the likelihood of having twins. According to the CDC, the number of twin births Read more…
Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Can Be Genetic - HDL cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol. A study in the late 1970’s known as the Framingham Study determined that higher levels of HDL cholesterol were protective against heart disease. This is one of Read more…
Gallstone Genes - Gallstones are not something you usually think about — until something goes wrong. And then you think about it a lot! Gallstones are usually made up of cholesterol but can also contain calcium bilirubinate. It Read more…
Medications and Your Genes - Here’s a dirty little secret: not all prescription drugs will work for you. Ok, that isn’t really a secret. Anyone who has ever gotten a prescription from their doctor knows it is usually accompanied by Read more…
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes: A gene that ties together the “Big 3” - When it comes to chronic diseases, the Big 3 are heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, with cancer a close second. Diabetes numbers are increasing Read more…
BDNF: Genetic variants for introversion, stress resilience, and more… - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that works in the central and peripheral nervous system to promote nerve function and growth. It works in the neurons of the brain both in forming neurons and Read more…
Mediterranean Diet and Your Genes - This website is all about how your genes make a difference in your body’s response to dietary choices. Some people are awesome at breaking down dietary carbohydrates; others are champs at converting carrots into vitamin Read more…
Ancestral Lights: Circadian Rhythm Articles and DIY Tips - Digging into the science and research connecting genetic variants with health for the past four years, I have found a common thread that connected a lot of chronic conditions that affect so many people today. Read more…
Leveraging your gut microbiome to change your gene expression - I thought about titling this article ‘going to the dark side’ but decided that bathroom humor should be left behind…. (get it, behind :-) Enough of the puns and onto the important science stuff that you Read more…