Donate

Genetic testing

a close up of a man with a beard swabbing his mouth.

Home DNA tests reveal more than we bargained for

Science

Nobody really knows who will have access to our genetic data in the years to come. Here’s why that’s scary.

Devon Summersgill, right, believed her baby Kate, left, would be born with Down syndrome based on a prenatal test that turned out to be wrong.

Questionable calls? Genetic counselors seen as downplaying false alarms

Health
DNA sequences like the one pictured in this image can help predict diseases for patients and their families, but the ethics and legality of sharing that information among family members are still unformed.

When should your genetic information trump your right to privacy?

Science

New report urges doctors to test and alert patients to genetic conditions

Health & Medicine

Who benefits from international medical research

Health & Medicine

Your Experiences with Genetic Testing and Reactions to Angelina Jolie’s Preventative Mastectomy

The news that actress Angelina  Jolie underwent a double mastectomy after learning that she carried BRCA1 — gene linked to breast cancer — elicited a range of responses from Takeaway listeners. Some called to applaud her choice while others shared difficult stories about their own struggles with cancer.

The World

Ready to Test Your DNA: How To Choose A Genetic Testing Company

There are currently many genetic tests offered directly to consumers. But how do you decide which testing company to use?

The World

Environmental Health Note/Gene Alert

Living on Earth’s Diane Toomey reports on research done by the U.S. army to develop an early warning genetic test for exposure to bioterrorism.

The World

DNA testing: the California spit wars

Environment

The Takeaway talks with Wired’s Alexis Madrigal about the intertwined issues of privacy and public health, and whether there’s a potential health benefit from barring individuals from their own genetic information.