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Older Fathers Face Higher Genetic Mutation Risks

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Older paternal age raises the risk of disease-causing mutations.
Sperm from men aged 70 carries about one in 20 mutations, compared with one in 40 at age 30.
Professor Rob Galloway, whose daughter Frankie has DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome, describes the emotional impact and urges discussing age-related fertility and genetic risks when planning a family.

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Story summary

Older paternal age raises the risk of disease-causing mutations.
Sperm from men aged 70 carries about one in 20 mutations, compared with one in 40 at age 30.
Professor Rob Galloway, whose daughter Frankie has DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome, describes the emotional impact and urges discussing age-related fertility and genetic risks when planning a family.