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
Mild Mannered Coronavirus
One encouraging aspect of the coronavirus outbreak: So far, about 82 percent of the cases — including all 14 in the United States — have been mild, with symptoms that require little or no medical intervention. And that proportion may be an under count. World Health Organization expert Michael Ryan said that outside of Hubei province, the … Continue reading Mild Mannered Coronavirus
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
The Epigenetics of Honeybee Memory Offers a Glimpse Into Our Own Minds
The fascinating memory of a honeybee could give us hints about our own long-term memory formation, scientists suggest. According to a new study, epigenetic marks are added to the DNA of honeybees in a response to an enzyme known as DNA methyltransferase (Dmnt) and removed in response to a Dnmt inhibitor drug. This epigenetic mechanism … Continue reading The Epigenetics of Honeybee Memory Offers a Glimpse Into Our Own Minds
One Night Without Sleep Could Trigger Epigenetic Changes and Weight Gain
Even just one night of sleep loss could lead to epigenetic changes that tweak our metabolism and regulation of gene expression, a new study suggests. Researchers at Uppsala University found that one night without sleep was linked to alteration of the human epigenome, weight gain, and the loss of lean muscle mass. Previous research has shown that skipping sleep … Continue reading One Night Without Sleep Could Trigger Epigenetic Changes and Weight Gain
The Epigenetics of Schizophrenia
The nascent field of epigenetics has been helpful in elucidating upon other polygenic traits and diseases. Thus it only seems logical to apply it to the study of schizophrenia, a chronic and debilitating illness with a sundry of risk factors. In his widely cited 2013 article, Dr. Thomas Insel defines schizophrenia as “a collection of signs and … Continue reading The Epigenetics of Schizophrenia
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 