Impaired sleep is a common issue that plagues many people. Not getting enough rest can lead to moodiness, cognitive decline, increased anxiety, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things. It’s estimated that 50-70 million adults in the US have sleep or wakefulness disorder, according to the CDC. But, for something so crucial to our lives, sleep is … Continue reading Could Poor Sleep and Histone Modification Degrade Your Memory?
A Look Into the Epigenetics of a Coronavirus Infection
Emerging viral infections pose a major threat to global public health. In the last two decades, the world has dealt with several fatal outbreaks from the Swine Flu to Ebola to Zika infections and more. The latest to appear is COVID-19, which emerged in December in Wuhan, China and spread quickly around the globe. Although … Continue reading A Look Into the Epigenetics of a Coronavirus Infection
How Understanding an Individual’s Epigenetics Can Help Measure and Treat Addiction
For a long time humans have wondered if chemicals causing drug and alcohol addiction could be active in the genes and potentially passed on to the next generation. Although this was not scientifically proven until recent years, the fear of suffering from addictive diseases led children of addicts and former addicts to avoid alcohol and … Continue reading How Understanding an Individual’s Epigenetics Can Help Measure and Treat Addiction
Nicotine Could Cause Epigenetic Changes to Testes and Compromise Fertility
Despite the countless destructive health consequences and carcinogenic properties of cigarette smoke, the CDC estimates that 40 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. The toxic chemicals are capable of causing damage to nearly every organ in the body and can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. Researchers continue to … Continue reading Nicotine Could Cause Epigenetic Changes to Testes and Compromise Fertility
Vitamin D Adjusts Epigenetic Marks That Could Hinder A Baby’s Health
Even though it’s common for expectant mothers to have low vitamin D levels, it’s essential to the health and proper development of the baby. A low amount of vitamin D is associated with poor fetal growth, childhood obesity, bone density, and bone mineral content. Interestingly, key functions of the placenta – like transporting nutrients to the growing … Continue reading Vitamin D Adjusts Epigenetic Marks That Could Hinder A Baby’s Health
Epigenetic Differences Found between Office Workers and Nickel Smelting Workers
It’s possible that someone’s occupation could have an influence on their epigenetic signature and potentially their well-being. Some people may prefer to work in a steady office environment, some take up graveyard shifts, and others might enjoy working outdoors. All of these occupational settings may have consequences for an individual’s mental and physical health and … Continue reading Epigenetic Differences Found between Office Workers and Nickel Smelting Workers
Histone Demethylation Plays a Role in Turning Stem Cells into Blood Vessel Cells
How stem cells become specific cell types is an intricate process, yet understanding the mechanisms that trigger this process may well prove to be beneficial for use in repairing and regenerating tissue. In a recent study, scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago investigated the molecular mechanism, histone demethylation, and how it plays an essential role … Continue reading Histone Demethylation Plays a Role in Turning Stem Cells into Blood Vessel Cells
Cancer Genes May Have Been Epigenetically Silenced Over Time
The factors contributing to the development of cancer in an individual are often complex and varied. Sometimes they are more straightforward, like when someone carries a specific gene known to indicate cancer risk; for example, specific mutations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are linked to breast cancer. But usually, these risk factors are not so directly observable, making cancer … Continue reading Cancer Genes May Have Been Epigenetically Silenced Over Time
Bones of Ancient Relatives Give Us Epigenetic Clues About Ourselves
We already know a lot about early modern humans based on scientific evidence collected from our ancestors, gaining clues from migration patterns and remnants left abandoned for ages. However, very little is known about our prehistoric relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, who lived thousands of years before us. With little evidence on hand and even … Continue reading Bones of Ancient Relatives Give Us Epigenetic Clues About Ourselves
Potential Epigenetic Avenues for ALS Relief
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), perhaps more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating neurological disease that ultimately leads to death. This disease eats away at nerve cells, causing death to the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in the loss of muscle function and eventual paralysis and respiratory failure. ALS … Continue reading Potential Epigenetic Avenues for ALS Relief
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 