Genetics & Health Blog
Evidence-based articles on genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, health risks, and how to understand your DNA data. Written by scientists, cited with sources.
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MTHFR Gene Explained: What Your C677T and A1298C Results Mean
The MTHFR gene controls how your body processes folate. Learn what your variant means for methylation, homocysteine levels, and what supplements actually help.
CYP2D6 and Antidepressants: Why Your SSRI Might Not Work
Up to 10% of people are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. Learn how this gene affects antidepressant metabolism, side effects, and what to tell your doctor.
APOE ε4 and Alzheimer's: Understanding Your Risk Without the Panic
Carrying APOE ε4 doesn't mean you'll get Alzheimer's. Here's what the science actually says, and evidence-based steps to reduce your risk.
All Articles(12)
MTHFR Gene Explained: What Your C677T and A1298C Results Mean
The MTHFR gene controls how your body processes folate. Learn what your variant means for methylation, homocysteine levels, and what supplements actually help.
CYP2D6 and Antidepressants: Why Your SSRI Might Not Work
Up to 10% of people are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. Learn how this gene affects antidepressant metabolism, side effects, and what to tell your doctor.
APOE ε4 and Alzheimer's: Understanding Your Risk Without the Panic
Carrying APOE ε4 doesn't mean you'll get Alzheimer's. Here's what the science actually says, and evidence-based steps to reduce your risk.
BRCA1 & BRCA2: What Consumer DNA Tests Can (and Can't) Tell You
Consumer tests only screen 3 of thousands of BRCA variants. Understanding the limitations is as important as the results.
Pharmacogenomics 101: Which Genes Affect Which Drugs
A complete guide to pharmacogenomic testing. CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, VKORC1, SLCO1B1, DPYD — what each gene does and which medications it affects.
Factor V Leiden: The Most Common Blood Clotting Disorder You've Never Heard Of
5% of Caucasians carry Factor V Leiden. Learn what it means for blood clot risk, pregnancy, birth control, and surgery.
How to Download and Understand Your 23andMe Raw Data
Step-by-step guide to downloading your 23andMe raw data file and what you can learn by analyzing it with third-party tools like GenomeInsight.
Genetic Carrier Screening: What Every Prospective Parent Should Know
1 in 4 people carries at least one recessive disease variant. Learn which conditions are tested, what carrier status means, and when to see a genetic counselor.
Clopidogrel and CYP2C19: The Life-Saving Test Your Cardiologist Should Order
CYP2C19 poor metabolizers don't activate Plavix effectively — increasing heart attack risk by 53%. Here's what you need to know.
Polygenic Risk Scores: What They Are, How They Work, and Their Limitations
PRS combine hundreds of genetic variants to estimate disease risk. But how accurate are they really? A balanced look at the science.
Are You a Fast or Slow Caffeine Metabolizer? What CYP1A2 Reveals
Your CYP1A2 genotype determines if that afternoon coffee keeps you up all night. Fast metabolizers can drink 4+ cups; slow metabolizers may increase heart disease risk.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis: The Iron Overload Disease Hiding in Your DNA
1 in 9 Northern Europeans carry HFE C282Y. Homozygous carriers absorb too much iron, damaging the liver, heart, and joints. Early detection is key.
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