Here are some of our favorite genetics resources for learning more about genetics and genetic conditions. Please note: we do not control or endorse the information presented on these websites. They are listed for informational purposes only.
Genetics Resources
Basic Genetics & Inheritance
The Animated Genome – 5 minute animation explaining basic DNA structure and inheritance, from the new genetics exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Summary of genetic disease concepts and inheritance patterns from the Genetic Home Reference (U.S. National Library of Medicine.)
Family History
Does it Run in the Family? – printable booklet from the Genetic Alliance that describes the importance of family health history, information that individuals should collect, and tips for asking family members about their health and organizing the information to share with family members and healthcare providers.
National Society of Genetic Counselor information on collecting your family history and how to draw your family tree.
Genetic Carrier Screening
The Genetic Disease Foundation provides information about conditions that are seen more commonly in people with particular ethnic backgrounds.
The Center for Jewish Genetics provides information on disorders that occur more frequently in people Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and Sephardic Jewish ancestry.
The Genetics of Common Diseases
Genetics of Autoimmune Disorders (e.g. thyroid disorders, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s/bowel disease)
Genetics of Mental Illness (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder)
Genetics of Behavioral Disorders (e.g. ADD/ADHD, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome.)
Genetics of Multifactoral Health Conditions (e.g. heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes)
Genetics of Cancer
Heredity & Cancer from the American Cancer Society
Genetic Testing for Cancer from the National Cancer Institute
Genetics of Neurological Conditions
Rare Genetic Diseases Support
The genetics of more than 900 genetic health conditions, diseases, and syndromes from the Genetic Home Reference (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
List of links to support groups for genetic and rare conditions.
The Genetic Alliance – the world’s leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to engaging individuals, families, and communities in transforming health by maintaining a network of >1200 disease-specific advocacy organizations.
Genetic Privacy
State Law: Since 1995, Oregon has had a law to protect the privacy of personal genetic information and prevent misuse of genetic information in clinical, research, employment, and insurance settings. While an umber of states currently have such a law, Oregon was one of the first. Learn more about the law here.
Federal Law: The Genetic Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (“GINA”) protects people from discrimination by health insurers and employers on the basis of DNA information. Learn more about this federal law here.