What if those who are resistant to insulin but don’t have diabetes could help prevent themselves and others from developing the disease? Researchers from Virginia Tech have discovered a biomarker in those who are pre-diabetic that could prevent them and potentially others from getting type 2 diabetes. The researchers uncovered that pre-diabetics, or people … Continue reading Mitochondrial DNA Methylation Gives Clues to Insulin Response in Pre-Diabetics
Accurately Telling the Age of Human Tissues and Cells by DNA Methylation Clock
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
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
Epigenetic Explanations For Why Cutting Sugar May Make You Feel Smarter
The beginning of a new year is often a time for setting an intention to build new habits. A foundational goal many people share is to improve their health, which typically includes positive changes in diet. Although most would think of shedding pounds or building muscle as the primary outcome of these changes, it turns … Continue reading Epigenetic Explanations For Why Cutting Sugar May Make You Feel Smarter
Depression Could Severely Increase Epigenetic Aging
Depression can certainly take its toll on a variety of physical and mental processes, so it’s no surprise that major depression often coincides with a shortened lifespan. Now scientists are finding that there may be more to this link than just purely an unfortunate coincidence. According to a new study, major depression disorder (MDD) may … Continue reading Depression Could Severely Increase Epigenetic Aging
Epigenetics: Avoiding the Pull of Pseudoscientific Nonsense
Serious concerns have been raised recently regarding the widespread misuse of the hot new term “epigenetics,” particularly by self-proclaimed gurus or, if you prefer, “legion purveyors of flapdoodle.” Some claim that, with the power of your mind, you can epigenetically cure or develop cancer, that positive thoughts can actually relax and lengthen DNA strands, or … Continue reading Epigenetics: Avoiding the Pull of Pseudoscientific Nonsense
Epigenetics, Nutrition, and Our Health: How What We Eat Could Affect Tags on Our DNA
Many of us are familiar with the foods that damage our bodies – they slow our metabolism, might add a few pounds, and stiffen our arteries. But what if certain food items could help or harm us in a place we may never have considered – like our DNA? A developing field called nutriepigenomics examines … Continue reading Epigenetics, Nutrition, and Our Health: How What We Eat Could Affect Tags on Our DNA
Epigenetics and environmental chemical exposures
Prenatal exposures to environmental pollutants may lead to chronic diseases later in life.Toxic effects of environmental pollution on human health are well recognized. Yet, for a long time conventional wisdom held that a child developing in the womb is sufficiently protected and insulated by the placenta from harmful pollutants outside. This expectation no longer holds … Continue reading Epigenetics and environmental chemical exposures
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 