Category: Health
Think The Genes You’ll Pass On Are Predetermined? Not Quite…Here’s What We Know
We all have a unique genetic code that gets passed down to the next generation.
Our genetic sequence affects everything from eye color to body shape to intelligence in our children. Because there are only so many combinations of traits with a partner, there are some genes we can be sure we’ll pass on, and some that we can hope wind up as part of our offspring’s DNA.
The study of epigenetics, however, aims to understand the inherited traits that can’t quite be explained by simple DNA sequencing, and it’s completely fascinating.
One common example of epigenetic research focuses on the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. Descendants of Holocaust survivors have different levels of stress hormones, and it may make them prone to anxiety disorders. This suggests intergenerational trauma can be passed down and affect people who haven’t even experienced that trauma themselves.
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These genetic changes may indicate the body trying to adapt to a similar environment as their parents. Because genetics is a complicated science, these traits can seem to “skip” generations. For instance, food availability and gender can impact grandchildren whose genetic codes have adapted to allow for food scarcity or unavailability.
Scientists stress that they are just beginning to understand the effects of epigenetics and that trying to create real-world results from this data is a far-off dream.
“If you are looking for it all to be logical and fall into place perfectly, it isn’t going to yet,” Rachel Yehuda, an epigenetics researcher says.
(via Scientific American)
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Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/epigenetics/
Sisters Missed Dad’s Final Moments Because They Were Kicked Off A Plane For Crying
Having an elderly parent suffering from illness is difficult for any family.
You just want to be there with them, and if you live far away, it can be difficult to see them all the time. Debbie Hartman and Trisha Baker were on the tarmac in a plane on their way to see their sick father when Baker received a text message that Dad only had hours left to live.
She knew she had to get up to comfort Hartman, and when she did, an Allegiant Air flight attendant demanded she return to her seat. Even after explaining the situation, the flight attendant didn’t budge, telling them to “keep their personal business off the plane.”
Hartman began to have a panic attack, and the two sisters were removed from the flight for being “disruptive.” They missed their father’s final moments.
Allegiant says it is investigating the incident, but the damage is already done. I can’t imagine what these sisters are going through. SHARE this if you think Allegiant should apologize to their family.
Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/sisters-kicked-off-plane/