Nigel Laing – The Conversation

Couples who are carriers of genes for recessive diseases don’t show any symptoms. Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash

November 16, 2017

What prospective parents need to know about gene tests such as ‘prepair’

Gina Ravenscroft, The University of Western Australia; Michelle Farrar, UNSW ; Nigel Laing, The University of Western Australia, and Royston Ong, The University of Western Australia

Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome are serious diseases, and most couples carrying the genetic mutations for these don’t know it. Should they all be tested?

Couples thinking about kids can be screened for genes that may cause disease in their offspring. Redd Angelo, Unsplash

July 14, 2017

Explainer: what is pre‑pregnancy carrier screening and should potential parents consider it?

Gina Ravenscroft, The University of Western Australia; Nigel Laing, The University of Western Australia, and Royston Ong, The University of Western Australia

Most of us will be carriers of recessive genes that cause disease. If our partner carries the same gene we could pass it on to our kids. Testing exists, but what are the pros and cons?

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