In today’s world, genetic disorders like thalassemia, hemoglobinopathies, and sickle cell anemia are important health conditions that affect millions of people around the globe. While each of these disorders impacts blood health and the production of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), they vary in severity and presentation. These conditions are particularly common in populations from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and understanding them is crucial for healthcare, especially for individuals planning to have children or those living in regions where these disorders are more common.

Have you ever stopped to think about how our genes tag along with us through every twist and turn of life? From that very first cell division to our golden years, DNA plays a starring role—sometimes gently nudging us toward a condition, other times shouting “heads up!” when there’s a clear path to prevention or treatment. Dr. Peter J. Bridge and his team at Queen’s University in Kingston have spent years unpacking how genetic disorders can pop up at different life stages. Let’s stroll through each chapter—prenatal, childhood, adulthood, and old age—and chat about why knowing our genetic story is empowering, not frightening.

When COVID-19 first emerged in late 2019, few could have predicted the scale of disruption it would cause. In a matter of months, the virus brought the world to a standstill. Borders closed, economies contracted, schools shut down, and hospitals overflowed. Lives were upended. Families lost loved ones. Millions faced mental, emotional, and financial strain. Many patients could not access lifesaving treatments as healthcare systems shifted into crisis mode and routine care was delayed or canceled. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global health systems and brought longstanding inequities into sharp focus.

Mother's Day is the perfect time to celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of mothers everywhere. But beyond the flowers, cards, and brunches, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the health and well-being of those in your life who are, or will be, mothers. In this spirit, let’s talk about the importance of health screenings and pre-pregnancy tests—not just for women who are planning to become mothers but for all women, as part of self-care and proactive health management.

In today’s world, genetic disorders like thalassemia, hemoglobinopathies, and sickle cell anemia are important health conditions that affect millions of people around the globe. While each of these disorders impacts blood health and the production of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), they vary in severity and presentation. These conditions are particularly common in populations from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and understanding them is crucial for healthcare, especially for individuals planning to have children or those living in regions where these disorders are more common.

Have you ever stopped to think about how our genes tag along with us through every twist and turn of life? From that very first cell division to our golden years, DNA plays a starring role—sometimes gently nudging us toward a condition, other times shouting “heads up!” when there’s a clear path to prevention or treatment. Dr. Peter J. Bridge and his team at Queen’s University in Kingston have spent years unpacking how genetic disorders can pop up at different life stages. Let’s stroll through each chapter—prenatal, childhood, adulthood, and old age—and chat about why knowing our genetic story is empowering, not frightening.

Every year, April 7th marks a special day dedicated to global health awareness: World Health Day. This annual observance, created by the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a reminder that health is a fundamental human right, and it encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to unite in addressing health-related challenges across the world. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to make healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location.

On this International Women's Day, BioInsight DNA & Blood Services would like to honor the contributions of women in science.  Beyond Marie Curie, there have been myriad women who have contributed to science, in general, and biomedical science, in particular.  There are women in research laboratories, medical laboratories, and epidemiologic laboratories all across the world.