It is widely known that a mother has substantial influence over her offspring during prenatal development. Her eating, exercising, and overall lifestyle can have lifelong effects for her children. But what about the father? It turns out that fathers are not off the hook when it comes to prenatal development, and his physical activity may have lasting effects on … Continue reading Paternal Exercise Epigenetically Enhances Expression and Inheritance of a Key Gene Involved in Learning and Memory
Epigenetic Tags on Serotonin Transporter Gene Linked to Stress
METHYLATION OF SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER GENE IN SALIVA, BRAIN AND BLOOD DNA ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASES IN AMYGDALA ACTIVITY A new study offers an epigenetic explanation as to why some people are more reactive to stress or more vulnerable to disorders related to stress. A team of researchers at Duke University have found that methylation of a gene linked … Continue reading Epigenetic Tags on Serotonin Transporter Gene Linked to Stress
The Epigenetics of Sleep: 3 Reasons to Catch More Zzz’s
Although the mysteries surrounding sleep are still being uncovered by scientists, we do know that sleep is crucial to our daytime functioning and is vital for processes such as learning and consolidation of memories. Unfortunately, we often fail to get enough sleep even when we know how important it is. Trying to compensate for poor … Continue reading The Epigenetics of Sleep: 3 Reasons to Catch More Zzz’s
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?
Eating Sweet, Fatty Foods During Pregnancy is Linked to ADHD in Children
A high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy could be connected to ADHD in children, suggests new research. A mother’s diet may adjust epigenetic marks that attach to her child’s DNA, potentially increasing the odds that he or she will develop ADHD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has become a prevalent condition in modern society as researchers attempt … Continue reading Eating Sweet, Fatty Foods During Pregnancy is Linked to ADHD in Children
What You Eat Adjusts Your Gut Microbiota and Epigenetic Marks
We’ve long known that what we eat affects the microbes in our bodies. Right now, hundreds of different species of bacteria are churning in our stomachs, working to protect us as well as survive within us. New research is showing that the bacterial microbiota of the gut could place chemical tags on our DNA and … Continue reading What You Eat Adjusts Your Gut Microbiota and Epigenetic Marks
Children of Diabetic Moms May Benefit from the Epigenetic Power of Green Tea
If a mother with diabetes drinks green tea during pregnancy, could it improve her child’s development? For years, pregnant women have been advised to take probiotics and antioxidants, such as folic acid, to help improve pregnancy outcomes. However, the precise way these supplements work continues to be up for debate. Now, epigenetic evidence is mounting … Continue reading Children of Diabetic Moms May Benefit from the Epigenetic Power of Green Tea
Can An Infection Alter Your Epigenome?
There are many examples of infectious agents that are capable of modifying the behavior of their host organism. Pathogens typically co-opt their host in ways that create an opportunity to spread into another host. For example, the rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, so the virus transforms its host into an unusually aggressive beast that … Continue reading Can An Infection Alter Your Epigenome?
The Epigenetics Behind the Flu
When the flu hits, it typically hits hard and fast. At first, you might only notice a slight cough and some sniffles and then, before you know it, you’re unable to get out of bed. The fever, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, and overall exhaustion take over your body and you’re done for — at … Continue reading The Epigenetics Behind the Flu
Fetal Development Epigenetically Influenced by Exposure to a Widespread Chemical in Plastic
Evidence on the negative impact of the environmentally ubiquitous chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA), continues to mount. Previous research has shown that this endocrine disruptor causes adverse health effects during development and impacts the reproductive system, mimicking estrogen and binding to nuclear estrogen receptors as well as androgen receptors. BPA has been implicated in diseases such as obesity, … Continue reading Fetal Development Epigenetically Influenced by Exposure to a Widespread Chemical in Plastic
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 