Science 101 for Parents - How Epigenetics is Revolutionizing the Understanding of Heredity

Explore the revolutionary field of epigenetics and its impact on heredity in this 56-minute lecture by distinguished biochemist David Allis from The Rockefeller University. Delve into the study of chemical modifications that can alter gene function without changing DNA sequences, and discover how these epigenetic changes can be influenced by factors like stress, diet, and exercise. Learn about the unexpected inheritance of epigenetic modifications across generations and their implications for evolution, human health, and the development of new cancer treatments. Gain insights into histone proteins, chemical tags, enzymes, and their roles in epigenetic processes. Examine biological examples, including parenting effects, disease connections, and histone variants in pancreatic cancer. Investigate the environmental influences on epigenetics and explore how behavioral and psychological changes can impact gene expression. Understand the significance of epigenetics in brain function, birth order, and belief systems, and consider the potential for exploiting this knowledge in future medical applications.