“Nature vs. nurture” is an argument as old as time, and understanding how “nature” is expressed and how “nurture” carries lasting effects in individuals is important in determining health outcomes later in life, especially when it comes to the bond shared between a mother and her child. As we know, when a mother breastfeeds her child, she … Continue reading A Mother’s Behavior Could Epigenetically Impact Infant Oxytocin Levels
Moms Exposed to Lead May Impact DNA Methylation of Her Children and Grandchildren
Evidence supporting multigenerational epigenetic inheritance continues to mount as a group of researchers discover that mothers who have a significant amount of lead present in their blood can epigenetically impact not only their unborn children, but their grandchildren as well. The study was published in Scientific Reports. It is well known that children in the womb … Continue reading Moms Exposed to Lead May Impact DNA Methylation of Her Children and Grandchildren
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
Epigenetics: Feeding the Obesity and Diabetes Epidemic?
Every kid reaching for the junk food has heard mom and dad’s warning, “You are what you eat!” But parents should be advised that children can now offer a humbling retort, “No, I’m what YOU ate!” A new study by scientists from the Institute of Experimental Genetics at Helmholtz Zentrum München (Neuherberg, Germany) suggests that … Continue reading Epigenetics: Feeding the Obesity and Diabetes Epidemic?
Selective Survival In The Womb Based On Random Epigenetic Variation May Explain Adult Health Problems
It’s been said before that health begins in the womb. That’s because the conditions we encounter in utero impact not only our well-being in infancy but throughout our entire lives. But what happens when the nutritional environment in the womb is less than favorable? Most epigenetic studies have suggested that embryos respond to adverse environmental conditions by adjusting their gene … Continue reading Selective Survival In The Womb Based On Random Epigenetic Variation May Explain Adult Health Problems
Paternal Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Influence Epigenetic Inheritance
There is strong evidence that suggests certain environmental or lifestyle factors may lead to increased risk of developing chronic diseases. These factors such as diet, behavior, stress, exposure to pollutants, and physical activity have been known to cause epigenetic changes which may be passed down from one generation to the next. It is believed that a father’s exposure to … Continue reading Paternal Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Influence Epigenetic Inheritance
Inheritance and Transmission of Epigenetic Memory Across Generations
New research has been suggesting that parents can transmit changes to their gene expression to their children. The heritable changes occur as a result of environmental stresses and are known as epigenetic modifications. A previous article covered the epigenetic transfer of nutrition “memory” across several generations. Now, a recent study by researchers from the University of California in Santa … Continue reading Inheritance and Transmission of Epigenetic Memory Across Generations
A Father’s Stress Felt for Generations
New scientific research suggests that the negative effects of trauma can be inherited. Fathers may actually transfer the consequences of their early experiences to their children via an epigenetic process. Researchers report that mice that experienced stress early on passed down the negative consequences – depression, underestimation of risk, and upset of metabolism – to … Continue reading A Father’s Stress Felt for Generations
Fathers Affected by Early Life Trauma May Impact Later Generations Through Sperm MicroRNAs
When it comes to reproductive health, it’s no secret that a pregnant mother’s choices and environment can severely impact her child’s epigenetics and health—especially mothers suffering from PTSD. But it turns out fathers who have suffered significant stress early on in their life may also epigenetically impact the physical and mental health of their offspring. It was previously … Continue reading Fathers Affected by Early Life Trauma May Impact Later Generations Through Sperm MicroRNAs
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 