Article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150803083351.htm
I’ve always had more interest in epigenetic changes and diseases influenced by environmental factors and this article reevaluates the importance of such factors. Although some genetic mutations may be inherited, others are largely caused throughout one’s life through exposure to different environmental changes that have an affect gene expression. This proves to be the reason why we may see some diseases having a later onset than others. Researchers have studied how epigenetic modifications can be passed on to subsequent offspring and between generations even when the DNA remain unchanged. They have also found various environmental toxicants such as plastics, pesticides, fungicide, dioxin and hydrocarbons that contribute to disease even three generations later. Changes of DNA structure, such as copy-number variations, have been observed in third generation offspring as well. This comes to show that environmental factors and epigenetic changes can drive genetics and be the main drivers of intergenerational changes observed. This makes me think about how my environmental exposure today could possibly alter the genes of my great great grandchildren, which is actually a bit frightening to say the least.