This conversation is a follow-up to Episode #326: How DNA Solves Crimes – The Forensic Science Behind True Crime, where we explored the role of DNA in forensic investigations including the infamous O.J. Simpson case. Dr. Henry Erlich returns to the show to talk about human ancestry and evolution.

Dr. Henry Erlich has authored over 450 publications and spent decades applying DNA analysis to criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and ancestry research. His work has helped us trace human origins, understand genetic diversity, and uncover how DNA links us to Neanderthals and Denisovans. His lab performed the first DNA case in the US and, in 1988, the first DNA exoneration. Erlich was the Director of the Department of Human Genetics and Vice-President of Discovery Research for Roche Molecular Systems, Inc until 2013. He is currently a Senior Scientist at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

• How PCR revolutionized genetic research and our understanding of evolution
• What genetic diversity within African populations tells us about human origins
• Debunking myths about Mitochondrial Eve and human ancestry
• The genetic connections between humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans
• How ancient DNA from medieval bones reshapes what we know about genetic bottlenecks
• Insights from the Pangenome Project and its potential to improve our understanding of genetic variation

• #326: How DNA Solves Crimes – The Forensic Science Behind True Crime (First Episode with Dr. Henry Erlich)
• #216 African American Ancestry with Nicka Smith
• #117 Dr. Janina Jeff on African Genomes
• #251 Diversifying Genetic Research with 23andMe (Explores African American Sequencing Project)
• #182 Dr. Eric Green on the Complete Human Genome Project and Pan Genome Project

• Read Genetic Reconstruction of the Past by Dr. Henry Erlich
• Explore the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and CODIS
• The Innocence Project: Fighting wrongful convictions with DNA evidence
• GEDmatch and its role in forensic investigations

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops next Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.

While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”

Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (which is today March 21st, 2025) our host Kira Dineen sits down with Carissa Carroll, the founder of Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating babies with Down syndrome and supporting their families. Inspired by her son Jack, Carissa launched Jack’s Basket to provide new parents with resources, encouragement, and community connections.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore:

• The power of celebrating every baby with Down syndrome
• How healthcare providers can deliver a diagnosis with compassion
• The essential resources and support networks available for families
• The profound impact of Jack’s Basket worldwide
• The role of education and awareness in fostering inclusion

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a parent, or an advocate, this episode sheds light on the importance of positive, informed communication and the life-changing support of community organizations like Jack’s Basket.

About Our Guest:

Carissa Carroll is an alumna of Bethel University and the University of Minnesota. She taught at elementary and collegiate levels before a sweet baby boy named Jack changed her heart and passion. After an abrupt and assumptive diagnosis experience, Carissa felt led to start Jack’s Basket. She wanted to make a change for future parents, ensuring that they felt their child was a reason to celebrate and have opportunities to connect within the community. Carissa presents to medical professionals about how to deliver the diagnosis without bias, works with the Jack’s Basket board to further the mission, and connects with volunteers who deliver baskets.

Jack’s Basket Resources:

Request a Basket

Genetic Counseling Webinar: "Communicating Unexpected News"

Other DNA Today Episodes About Down Syndrome:

#176 Glee's Lauren Potter on Down Syndrome Awareness

#280 Celebrating Down Syndrome with Parent & Nurse Jenness Stock

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.

While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”

Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.

See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.