Dr. DNA Dan - A Genetics & Genomics Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Dan Handley takes us into the fascinating world of proteins—those powerhouse molecules that do the heavy lifting in our bodies. While the human genome contains about 20,000 protein-coding genes, these genes produce over 100,000 different proteins, thanks to nature's incredible complexities. Dr. Handley breaks down the science behind how our genetic code expands to create such diversity in proteins, revealing the intricate processes that keep our bodies running smoothly.Tune in each month as DNA Dan dives into the evolving world of genetics, from ancestry and health testing to genetics in mental health and forensics. With over 30 years of experience in genomics, SCU Professor Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., brings unique insights into how genetics shapes our lives and the future of precision medicine. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_Dan

In the last episode on the central dogma of molecular biology, DNA Dan discussed the information flow of DNA, to RNA, to amino acid sequences that make up proteins. In this episode, Dr. Handley discusses proteins - the work horses of the body, and the extensive roles they play in our bodies. By last known count, there are around 20,000 protein coding genes in the human coding genome that make up and operate the human body. How can these 20,000  genes produce over 100,000 proteins? This is where nature, the mad scientist, comes in. ------------------------------------------Join DNA Dan each month as he dives deep into the world of genetics, genomics, DNA, and the future of precision genomic medicine. Dan discusses health and ancestry genetic testing, forensic genetics, genetics and mental health, common myths about genetics, and more. DNA Dan, SCU Professor of Genomics, Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., shares his knowledge from his over 30 years of experience in the world of advanced genomics research and biotechnology. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_DanTune in each month as DNA Dan dives into the evolving world of genetics, from ancestry and health testing to genetics in mental health and forensics. With over 30 years of experience in genomics, SCU Professor Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., brings unique insights into how genetics shapes our lives and the future of precision medicine. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_Dan

In episodes 2, 3 and 4 of this podcast, we've learned that DNA is determined to be the molecule of inheritance, as well as how its structure is determined.  What DNA Dan hasn't yet discussed is what DNA actually does. Or, if DNA is the so called "code of life," how is its code being read? And how is that information put into action? That brings us to the central dogma of molecular biology. In this episode, DNA Dan discusses the "central dogma of molecular biology," information theory of English physicist, Francis Crick in the 1950s, the early principles he was trying to convey, and then brings us up to speed on what we know about the information flow of DNA, RNA and protein biological processes, today.------------------------------------------Join DNA Dan each month as he dives deep into the world of genetics, genomics, DNA, and the future of precision genomic medicine. Dan discusses health and ancestry genetic testing, forensic genetics, genetics and mental health, common myths about genetics, and more. DNA Dan, SCU Professor of Genomics, Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., shares his knowledge from his over 30 years of experience in the world of advanced genomics research and biotechnology. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_DanTune in each month as DNA Dan dives into the evolving world of genetics, from ancestry and health testing to genetics in mental health and forensics. With over 30 years of experience in genomics, SCU Professor Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., brings unique insights into how genetics shapes our lives and the future of precision medicine. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_Dan

If you think back to your early years of biology class, you may remember learning about tiny cellular energy factories, called mitochondira. Mitochondria are microscopic powerhouses hiding within most cells and they play a huge role in our health. Damaged mitochondria can lead to a host of health issues. But healthy mitochondria can result in optimal aging. DNA Dan explains more on mitochondria, and how better understandings may help advance new approaches in the study of some diseases.------------------------------------------Join DNA Dan each month as he dives deep into the world of genetics, genomics, DNA, and the future of precision genomic medicine. Dan discusses health and ancestry genetic testing, forensic genetics, genetics and mental health, common myths about genetics, and more. DNA Dan, SCU Professor of Genomics, Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., shares his knowledge from his over 30 years of experience in the world of advanced genomics research and biotechnology. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_DanTune in each month as DNA Dan dives into the evolving world of genetics, from ancestry and health testing to genetics in mental health and forensics. With over 30 years of experience in genomics, SCU Professor Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., brings unique insights into how genetics shapes our lives and the future of precision medicine. Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_Dan