External signs of the human body’s age can be given by wrinkles and graying hair. However, these signs may not be accurate to tell the age of human tissues and cells that construct your body. Geneticist and biomathematician Steve Horvath at the University of California Los Angeles has developed a multi-tissue predictor of age that enables … Continue reading Accurately Telling the Age of Human Tissues and Cells by DNA Methylation Clock
Short-Term Sleep Loss Alters DNA Methylation of Clock Genes
Sleep is crucial to our well-being and helps in the process of learning and memory formation. Without proper sleep we can feel moody, irritable, and have difficulty solving problems. We can even be less creative when we don’t get enough sleep. Now, research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism is showing us that just … Continue reading Short-Term Sleep Loss Alters DNA Methylation of Clock Genes
Certain Ethnic Groups May Epigenetically Age Slower
Scientists have been curious about whether race or ethnicity directly impact molecular markers of aging. Could people of certain race be more likely to age faster or slower? A group of researchers from UCLA conducted a study that was the first of its kind, demonstrating that Latinos actually age more slowly than other ethnic groups. … Continue reading Certain Ethnic Groups May Epigenetically Age Slower
Menopause and Insomnia Might Epigenetically Speed Up Aging
For years, scientists have disagreed on whether menopause causes aging or aging leads to menopause, giving rise to a “which came first” debate. New epigenetic research may help settle this long-standing disagreement, offering evidence that menopause might actually make a woman age faster. Two recent UCLA studies show that menopause and its common side effect … Continue reading Menopause and Insomnia Might Epigenetically Speed Up Aging
Epigenetic Clock Destines Some to Age Faster Regardless of Lifestyle
Certain people will age quicker and die sooner, even if they keep their body healthy, suggests a largescale analysis by UCLA scientists. Regardless of how well you take care of yourself, an accelerated internal epigenetic clock may lead to an earlier death for some. Researchers assessed data from over 13,000 individuals, measuring levels of DNA … Continue reading Epigenetic Clock Destines Some to Age Faster Regardless of Lifestyle
Inherited Epigenetic and Behavioral Consequences of Trauma Could be Reversed
It’s possible that the impact of traumatic experiences may be epigenetically inherited via molecular memory that is passed down through generations. Although still controversial, new research takes this concept a step further and demonstrates that traumatic behavior could be reversed when it would otherwise be inherited. A study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, was conducted by researchers … Continue reading Inherited Epigenetic and Behavioral Consequences of Trauma Could be Reversed
Cuddling Can Leave Positive Epigenetic Traces on Your Baby’s DNA
You might be familiar with the popular epigenetic study that suggests when mother rats lick their pups, they leave epigenetic marks on their babies’ DNA. This, in turn, helps them grow up to be calm adults. On the other hand, pups who receive very little licking, grooming, or nursing from their moms tend to grow up … Continue reading Cuddling Can Leave Positive Epigenetic Traces on Your Baby’s DNA
Delivery by Cesaerian Section Linked to Epigenetic Changes in Infant’s Blood Stem Cells
The way a baby is delivered may epigenetically impact stem cells of the infant, according to a new study at Karolinska Institutet. Their findings could help scientists understand the differences between various modes of delivery, for example, why babies delivered via cesarean section are statistically more susceptible to immunological diseases. It’s still uncertain whether this … Continue reading Delivery by Cesaerian Section Linked to Epigenetic Changes in Infant’s Blood Stem Cells
5 Ways You Might Epigenetically Boost Your Child’s Health Before Birth
When the Twin Towers came down in 2001, it was one of the most shocking moments in human history. This brazen act of terror traumatized an entire population. For those who lost friends, family, and acquaintances in the tragedy, it was an enormous cause of stress, grief and general departure from a normal state of … Continue reading 5 Ways You Might Epigenetically Boost Your Child’s Health Before Birth
Paternal Exercise Epigenetically Enhances Expression and Inheritance of a Key Gene Involved in Learning and Memory
It is widely known that a mother has substantial influence over her offspring during prenatal development. Her eating, exercising, and overall lifestyle can have lifelong effects for her children. But what about the father? It turns out that fathers are not off the hook when it comes to prenatal development, and his physical activity may have lasting effects on … Continue reading Paternal Exercise Epigenetically Enhances Expression and Inheritance of a Key Gene Involved in Learning and Memory
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 