Can Our Genes Be Changed? Exploring the Fascinating World of Epigenetics

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In summary, the conversation was about an amazing programme on the BBC about epigenetics. The respected scientists involved are studying the impact of epigenetics on our understanding of spacetime experience and our genes. The programme is recommended to be watched at least twice as the consequences are far-reaching. Epigenetics refers to heritable information that is not encoded in the genome, such as X-chromosome inactivation and gene silencing. The conversation also discusses the debate on whether certain behaviors, such as licking in rats, are heritable or learned. It is suggested that cross-fostering studies may provide more insight into this question.
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Just watched an amazing programme:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/ghostgenes.shtml

all the more amazing as I had conversed about this process(unknown to me at the time, epigenetics) some years ago on another forum.

The respected scientists who are just starting to tease info from the genome project are really into domains that are..pretty substantial in our understanding of spacetime experience and our genes, quite amazing.

The programme needs to be watched at least twice, as the consequences are far reaching.
 
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Thanks for the link. For those who don't know, epigenetics means 'outside of the genes': heritable information that is not encoded into the nucleotide sequence of the genome, such as X-chromosome inactivation and gene silencing.

With some of the studies that are being done I doubt whether they are viewing effects of epigenetics, or effects of nurturing. For example: rats who are licked a lot by their mother as an infant are lickers themselves, whereas rats that are not licked a lot (due to stress of the mother) won't be lickers themselves. Conclusion: licking is heritable.. or is it learned behaviour?
 
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Monique said:
With some of the studies that are being done I doubt whether they are viewing effects of epigenetics, or effects of nurturing. For example: rats who are licked a lot by their mother as an infant are lickers themselves, whereas rats that are not licked a lot (due to stress of the mother) won't be lickers themselves. Conclusion: licking is heritable.. or is it learned behaviour?
Have they done cross-fostering studies yet? Those are the more definitive studies for distinguishing between learned and heritable behaviors. On the other hand, that still wouldn't address the effects of intrauterine environment; they would need to transfer embryos into surrogate mothers to do that.
 
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Yes, it was a cross-fostering study. I guess the clue is that no matter what the foster mother does, the litter is more likely to take on the behaviour of the biological mother. But on the other hand it was said that the action of the mother imprints the behaviour of the litter by released hormones during the licking, so it is a bit fuzzy.
 

1. What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence. It is the process by which genes are turned on or off based on environmental factors, rather than being fixed from birth.

2. How does epigenetics affect our health?

Epigenetic changes can impact our health by influencing the expression of genes related to diseases. For example, environmental factors like diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can affect the epigenome and increase the risk of developing certain diseases.

3. What can we learn from the "Epi-genetics tv program"?

The "Epi-genetics tv program" can provide information about the latest research and discoveries in the field of epigenetics. It can also educate viewers on how epigenetics can impact our health and the environment, and what we can do to make positive changes.

4. How is epigenetics different from genetics?

Epigenetics is different from genetics because it focuses on changes in gene expression rather than changes in the DNA sequence. While genetics determines our inherited traits, epigenetics can be influenced by external factors and can change over time.

5. Can epigenetic changes be reversed?

Yes, epigenetic changes can be reversed through a process called epigenetic reprogramming. This can involve lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or medical interventions that target specific epigenetic processes. However, more research is needed to fully understand how to reverse epigenetic changes and their long-term effects.

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