PAC-MAN: From Video Games to COVID-19 Treatment

By Cayla Solomon My name is Cayla Solomon. I am a junior at Pacific Ridge High School just north of San Diego. My goal through this blog is to share stories about new advances and discoveries that scientists are making related to my interest in genetics. What if we had the ability to treat blindness, […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Jan, 12, 2021
No Comments.
Serving Huntington’s Disease One Dog at a Time

By Olivia Burns (guest blogger) Bob’s foot shook with the thoughtless determination characteristic of Huntington’s Disease. His uncontrolled movement was erratic and unstoppable—that is, until Exeter rested his head on the jerking foot with equal unconsciousness. Completely disregarding the abnormality of the situation, Exeter calmed the rogue appendage… I listened as Nila openly and eloquently […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Jan, 11, 2017
Comments Off on Serving Huntington’s Disease One Dog at a Time
Me and my faulty gene

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, we are proud to share one young woman’s personal journey to uncover the roots of her family tree and face the real possibility of breast cancer in her future. By Sedona Lercara This crazy journey all began nearly twenty years ago with my mom’s first diagnosis with breast cancer. Like […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Oct, 18, 2015
Comments Off on Me and my faulty gene
Genetics and Mental Illness

By Carly Elder (guest blogger) On July 5th 2011, Kelly Thomas, a mentally ill homeless man, was beaten by police officers in a Fullerton parking lot. Five days later Thomas passed away. The beating was captured on camera and the incident sparked a national debate about the use of force by police and the treatment […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Sep, 12, 2015
Comments Off on Genetics and Mental Illness
Breeding for Taste and Losing Nutrients

By Andrea Tunnard The produce sections of many supermarkets are stocked with large, bright, flavorful fruits and vegetables. The shelf appeal of these vibrant fruits and vegetables, coupled with the convenience of options like seedless grapes and watermelons, is due to artificial selection and other plant breeding techniques. Most consumers don’t associate these foods with […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Sep, 12, 2015
Comments Off on Breeding for Taste and Losing Nutrients
Interview: Genetic Testing for Huntington’s Disease, and a Very Personal Decision

By Nazin Sedehi and Laura Rivard Introduction A few months ago, we posted a case study on our Nature Scitable site about “Scott”, a man who tests positive for the genetic mutation that causes Huntington’s disease (HD). Soon after receiving his test results, Scott learns that his wife is pregnant. He and his wife decide […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Sep, 12, 2015
Comments Off on Interview: Genetic Testing for Huntington’s Disease, and a Very Personal Decision
A Little Too Perfect: 23andMe’s Patent on “Designer Baby” Technology

By Andrea Tunnard Couples planning on starting a family in our modern age of genetic technology have options that no previous generation of prospective parents have had before: the opportunity to have their genetic information tested in order to predict what traits their children will inherit. The companies that provide this service specialize in “ […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Sep, 12, 2015
Comments Off on A Little Too Perfect: 23andMe’s Patent on “Designer Baby” Technology
Illegal Sterilizations in California Prisons

By Saxony Busta In an audit released in June 2014, it was confirmed that at least 39 women were illegally sterilized in California prisons from 2006 to 2013. Nearly 150 women prisoners underwent surgical procedures for sterilization by bilateral tubal litigation, commonly known as having one’s “tubes tied”. An investigation revealed that proper consent for […]
Read MorePosted bylrivard
- Posted in Uncategorized
Sep, 12, 2015
Comments Off on Illegal Sterilizations in California Prisons