Pharmacogenomics compares differences in peoples’ DNA and the impact that certain medications might have, the dosage a doctor might prescribe, response to medications, and potential side effects.

In the New York Times this week, coverage on an unusual case. NYT reporter Heather Murphy wrote about the story of a man whom researchers are studying because he had received a stem cell transplant, and subsequent DNA testing revealed unusual results.

More people every day are discovering unexpected news about their parentage as a result of consumer DNA tests. As a licensed and certified genetic counselor specializing in ancestry testing, I have more and more people reach out to me wondering could it be true my dad’s not my dad? If so, then who IS?

You will find many articles online and shows on TV telling you all you can learn from DNA testing. You won’t find much about what DNA can’t tell you, so I’ll review a few of the common test types and talk about the details not often mentioned.

Once a year, we celebrate Genetic Counselor Awareness Day! That day is upon us!

Do you call them biological fathers? Birth dads? Found fathers, discovered dads, sires, or “men who fathered a child they were not aware of”?

Here’s some advice I’ve gathered for those who are considering or already have involved DNA testing in an adoption-related search.

Sometimes 23andMe reports an inaccurate DNA relationship between two testers. A half sibling is not always a half sibling. It could be a cousin, for example.

This YouTube video went up a few days ago, created and posted by an adoptee named Blake who experienced GSA after reuniting with a biological parent (father/same-sex parent in his case).

Umbilical cord blood donation allows a type of stem cell transplant.

Are you hoping to locate biological family via records search, DNA testing, or possibly both?

I recently received a message from someone who made an unexpected discovery of a new family member after doing DNA testing.

There are many varieties of DNA testing, some that are extensive scans of your DNA and some that provide focused or partial information.

I have people reach out through my website who are adopted or donor conceived and are at the very start of a search, asking where do I even start? It can be overwhelming trying to learn all of the ins and outs of searching whether using access to records or DNA testing.

US customers of 23andMe can request reimbursement for part of their testing.

Severance Magazine is a resource for the growing group of individuals who learn they have been separated by biological relatives.

ROH is very tricky topic but one we need to get comfortable talking about. It can happen to anyone of any age from any background.

Most recently, I talked in more detail about the work I do with adoptees and families with adopted children while interviewed by Kira of DNA Today.

Mental health awareness is important every day of the year, but there are certain times when these conversations come up more often in media coverage. During Mental Health Awareness month in May, or World Mental Health day in October.

I’m often asked for my thoughts on whether at-home DNA tests should be used for medical purposes, since they are the only option some people can afford.