Guest guest Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 One of the most fascinating science programs I have ever seen is being rebroadcast tonight. Nova The Ghost in Your Genes Tuesday, Sept. 22 › 8pm (Check local listing) on Rocky Mountain PBS In a provocative report from the frontiers of biology, " Nova " explores new findings that call into question the long-held belief that all inherited traits are passed on by our genes. The fast-growing field of epigenetics investigates hidden influences that could affect not only our health today but that of our descendants far into the future. It now seems that our environment makes small chemical changes to our DNA without affecting the gene's overall makeup. To put it another way, epigenetics adds to our DNA another layer that acts as a control system of " switches. " Experiential factors such as nutrition or stress may trigger these switches and turn genes on or off. These subtle changes can then be " remembered " and passed on from generation to generation, altering inherited traits. This means the lives of our grandparents – the air they breathed, the food they ate, even the things they saw – could have directly affected us, and that what we do could, in turn, affect our grandchildren. " Nova " explores this fascinating new idea, interviewing top scientists in the field and following what could be a paradigm shift in the way we think about inheritance and genes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 Jerry, I've got the popcorn ready to pop...sounds very interesting. I always tell my family I got every bad combination between my parents genes that was possible since I have a sister and two brothers who are healthy, disgustingly healthy, while I got all the genetic crap - psoriasis, diabetes, cancer and since most of my moms family were farmers they all had lung problems they blamed on asthma and hay dust! Wonder how many of them really had PF. Most of them died from " heart " problems, could we all spell pulmonary hypertension? The more I learn the more I wish I had the information that is now gone. Oh well, will be watching the show. Thanks Dyane Phoenix ipf 02 > > One of the most fascinating science programs I have ever seen is being rebroadcast tonight. > > Nova > The Ghost in Your Genes > Tuesday, Sept. 22 › 8pm (Check local listing) > on Rocky Mountain PBS > In a provocative report from the frontiers of biology, " Nova " explores new findings that call into question the long-held belief that all inherited traits are passed on by our genes. The fast-growing field of epigenetics investigates hidden influences that could affect not only our health today but that of our descendants far into the future. It now seems that our environment makes small chemical changes to our DNA without affecting the gene's overall makeup. To put it another way, epigenetics adds to our DNA another layer that acts as a control system of " switches. " Experiential factors such as nutrition or stress may trigger these switches and turn genes on or off. These subtle changes can then be " remembered " and passed on from generation to generation, altering inherited traits. This means the lives of our grandparents – the air they breathed, the food they ate, even the things they saw – could have directly affected us, and that what we do could, in turn, affect our grandchildren. " Nova " explores this fascinating new idea, interviewing top scientists in the field and following what could be a paradigm shift in the way we think about inheritance and genes. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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