#20 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism's (SNP's)

#20 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism's (SNP's)

From Your Mom on Drugs by Joshua Klaus and Jennifer Seltzer

May 18, 2026 · 48 min · Season 1 · Episode 20

About this episode

This episode explores how single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence medication effectiveness and the future of personalized medicine.

What if tiny “typos” in your DNA could help explain why one medication works perfectly for you… while someone else gets side effects or no benefit at all? In this episode, we dive into the world of single-nucleotide polymorphisms — or SNPs — the incredibly common genetic variations that make each of us biologically unique. We unpack how these microscopic changes in DNA influence everything from physical traits to disease risk and even the future of personalized medicine. From the Human Genome Project to modern pharmacogenomics, we explore how scientists identify SNPs, why they matter, and how they may soon help clinicians predict which treatments are most effective for individual patients. We’ll also look at real-world examples involving asthma medications, breast cancer risk prediction, and the growing promise of precision medicine. If you’ve ever wondered how genetics could shape the future of healthcare — or what makes your body respond differently than someone else’s — this episode is for you.

People in this episode

Hosts: Joshua Klaus, Jennifer Seltzer

Topics covered

  • genetics
  • personalized medicine
  • pharmacogenomics
  • healthcare
  • disease risk
  • DNA variations

Keywords

  • SNPs
  • genetic variations
  • medication response
  • healthcare
  • pharmacogenomics
  • DNA
  • personalized medicine
  • asthma
  • breast cancer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: precision medicine

Products: asthma medications, breast cancer risk prediction

Books & works: Your Mom on Drugs

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