Epigenetic research on the potential molecular causes of aging has piqued the curiosity of many people who want to know if it’s possible to slow aging or, perhaps, stop it altogether. The process of aging comes along with physiological changes that decrease the body’s ability to repair tissue and increase vulnerability to metabolic diseases. Overall, … Continue reading Histone Modifications Reveal Further Insight into the Process of Aging
Jumping Enzyme Discovered in Nucleus Influences Epigenetic Regulation
A study led by a team of researchers at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta sheds light on a new, interesting way metabolism is connected to DNA regulation. The discovery may add an important piece to the puzzle in scientists’ quest to understand diseases and their epigenetic basis. One such … Continue reading Jumping Enzyme Discovered in Nucleus Influences Epigenetic Regulation
DNA Methylation, Melting DNA, and Twins: Advancing Forensic Investigations
DNA profiling, also known as genetic fingerprinting has been crucial to the forensic investigation of crime scenes since the 1980s. Although important to the success of many cases, this technique comes with some limitations, particularly when investigators are trying to match DNA evidence to a twin. Using this method, it is difficult to conclusively determine … Continue reading DNA Methylation, Melting DNA, and Twins: Advancing Forensic Investigations
DNA Methylation Solves Crimes
In an episode of the popular procedural drama Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, entitled ‘Perverted’, the show’s protagonist, Detective Olivia Benson, was accused of murder after her DNA was found to match DNA isolated from blood recovered from the murder weapon. Without alibi, Detective Benson was arrested, her reputation in jeopardy. As her colleagues worked … Continue reading DNA Methylation Solves Crimes
Being Overweight Adds Distinct Epigenetic Marks to DNA
Extra weight that you may have put on during the holidays could not only appear around your belly, but also add epigenetic tags to your DNA, suggests a new study. Having a high body mass index (BMI) was linked to additional methyl tags found at more than 200 areas on the genome, which affects gene expression and … Continue reading Being Overweight Adds Distinct Epigenetic Marks to DNA
DNA Methylation Could Explain How People Respond to Fear and Anger
A region of the brain known as the amygdala is normally activated when people perceive fear and anger in others. This region, which is part of the limbic system, conveys the message to other regions of the brain to prepare oneself for what may be a threatening situation. We’ve seen previous research that offers an epigenetic … Continue reading DNA Methylation Could Explain How People Respond to Fear and Anger
Bisphenol A Can Reprogram Liver’s Epigenome and Result in Disease in Rats
There has been growing literature that suggests how environmental chemical exposure can lead to birth defects but the majority of the studies are association based. A fraction of those studies have shown how ambient chemical exposure affects insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism1 or affecting gut-microbiota2. But how early life chemical exposure can affect epigenetics—or change the epigenome … Continue reading Bisphenol A Can Reprogram Liver’s Epigenome and Result in Disease in Rats
Smoking Cigarettes Stamps Harmful Epigenetic Fingerprint on DNA
Not only does cigarette smoke severely harm the body, it also leaves behind long-lasting damage on DNA, according to a recent study. An unwanted surplus of chemical marks are added to specific spots on the genome of a smoker, which may give rise to diseases such as a cancer, cardiovascular and lung disorders, and osteoporosis. … Continue reading Smoking Cigarettes Stamps Harmful Epigenetic Fingerprint on DNA
Maternal Smoking Epigenetically Harms Child Development
Thankfully, smoking is a habit all pregnant women are advised to break. But, surprisingly, this wasn’t always the case, especially in the 1940s and 1950s when doctors endorsed smoking in tobacco advertisements. Tobacco companies even ran ads hinting that pregnant women could smoke as a way to calm their nerves. With the influx of research … Continue reading Maternal Smoking Epigenetically Harms Child Development
Most Dangerous Lifestyle Activity Uncovered in New Epigenetic Mortality Risk Profile
Aging and mortality has been a fascinating topic of interest recently, particularly in the field of epigenetics. What are the chemical DNA markers of age? Can we look at someone’s epigenome to determine their risk for death? Could we reverse these epigenetic tags to restore youth or undo the pesky physical characteristics and diseases that come … Continue reading Most Dangerous Lifestyle Activity Uncovered in New Epigenetic Mortality Risk Profile
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 