As COVID-19 is proving to the world, viruses are powerful biological agents, capable of rapidly effecting massive damage and fatality. And yet, they’re so simple: a virus is merely comprised of pieces of genetic material—either RNA or DNA—wrapped in a protein envelope, which is known as a “capsid.”But coronaviruses are not the only type of virus out … Continue reading Vaccine Targets Viral Epigenetic Modification, Could Prevent Respiratory Infection
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
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?
Can Your Diet Epigenetically Shape Your Child’s Health?
Have you ever heard the old saying “you are what you eat?” This is not just an expression anymore, as scientists have discovered that we are what we eat and possibly even what our parents or grandparents ate. As surprising as it sounds, a pregnant woman’s diet and lifestyle, as well as the diet of … Continue reading Can Your Diet Epigenetically Shape Your Child’s Health?
Exposure to common fungicide causes neurological problems across four generations
To better understand mental disorders and neurological problems, scientists are beginning to take a closer look at the study of epigenetics and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals affecting DNA. This kind of study goes beyond just the study of genetics, which looks solely at changes in DNA sequence between generations. Epigenetics investigates the changes in gene expression … Continue reading Exposure to common fungicide causes neurological problems across four generations
Epigenetics in action: Mouth bacteria activate cancer genes that cause colorectal cancer
Two new studies recently published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe help further clarify the role that human bacteria play in cancer development, a process that is still poorly understood by many experts. As it turns out, bacterial imbalances, specifically inside the mouth, can upset the body's natural immune response, potentially causing an activation of certain … Continue reading Epigenetics in action: Mouth bacteria activate cancer genes that cause colorectal cancer
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 