Did you know that genetics plays a substantial role in the development of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer? While anyone can be affected, individuals with certain genetic mutations may be at a higher risk. That’s where genetic testing comes in! 🧬 Genetic testing allows us to identify hereditary mutations linked to pancreatic cancer, such as those in the BRCA2, PALB2, and ATM genes. Knowing your genetic status can empower you to take preventative measures and

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end today, I wanted to highlight the importance of ongoing awareness. I attended several breast cancer events this month, including the @iloveboobies_za Secret Swim in Howick, and was inspired by the overwhelming feeling of support, community, and determination 💗 Breast cancer isn’t just about good or bad luck; family history and genetics play a crucial role in assessing risk. Hereditary breast cancer involves genes like BRCA1, B

On the last day of February, the world celebrates Rare Disease Day, highlighting the challenges millions face. With >7,000 rare diseases impacting ±400 million people globally, awareness & support are critical. Rare diseases can lead to significant health challenges, & they often remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Although not all rare diseases are genetic, genetic testing allows healthcare providers to try to identify genetic changes responsible for these disorders, offerin

is dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of genetic counsellors to healthcare. Genetic counselling is a specialised field that combines genetics with psychology, education, and ethics. Genetic counsellors (GCs) are trained healthcare professionals who are experts in interpreting genetic tests, discussing family histories, and providing support for challenging health decisions. GCs educate patients about genetic conditions, enabling them to understand their ris

We all know that as we age, our eyesight can deteriorate, leading to vision loss (and needing glasses). However, as you can expect, genetics can also play a role in this process. Certain genes have been associated with vision loss, including those involved in developing and maintaining the retina (the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and colour). One such gene is the ABCA4  gene, which codes for a protein involved in transporting waste products out of the retin

We tend to think that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are new to the world of agriculture. And, unfortunately, some clever marketing strategies try to sell you GMO-free versions of something that is actually the product of many generations of selective breeding. I think you would be surprised to see what some of your favourite fruit and veg looked like more the dawn of agriculture and selective breeding! Selective crop breeding is a method that has been used for centuri

Drug metabolism is a fascinating topic that has captivated scientists for years. It refers to the way in which our bodies process drugs,...

Gregor Mendel is a name that is synonymous with genetics and heredity. Born in 1822 in the Austrian Empire, Mendel was a monk and...

The field of genetics is relatively young, and we have come a long way since Mendel and his famous peas in the 1860s. It would take...

Butterflies are fascinating creatures that have captivated humans for centuries. Here are some exciting genetic facts about butterflies:...

To celebrate South African Women’s Day this year, I wanted to highlight two crucial cancer screening procedures that can save lives!...

The ice fish (fancy science name: Channichthyidae) is a group of fish found in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica....

Have you thought about frogs today? Probably not, but you should! Frogs have some cool genetic facts that you could mention at your next...

Did you know that humans have different types of earwax? Yup, the stuff generally comes in two varieties. Wet and dry. Human earwax type...

So, you have probably heard of colour blindness before. If not, here is a quick recap. Colour blindness is a genetic condition that...

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, or their molecules to create new products, processes, and technologies that benefit...

Family history taking is one of the first things to happen in a genetic counselling session. This is not because the genetic counsellor...

They are two commonly used techniques in genomics to analyse genetic information. WES is a targeted sequencing approach focusing on only...

If you are like me and have people in your life that create a fuss about cilantro/coriander (they know who they are). You might also...

Genetic metabolic disorders are inherited conditions caused by harmful changes in enzymes or metabolic pathways that affect the body's...