Prompt Cast
Understanding Epigenetics: How Genes Drive Us
TLDR Epigenetics is the study of chemical tags that can change the physical structure of our genes, influencing which genes are turned on or off in different cells. These changes can be influenced by diet and environmental stimuli, potentially impacting multiple generations and offering new possibilities for treating diseases.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Epigenetics is the cutting edge of research in understanding life and how our genes drive us.
03:52
Epigenetics is the study of chemical tags called methyl tags that can change the physical structure of our genes and determine which genes are turned on or off in different cells, potentially challenging the idea that genetic traits can only be inherited over long periods of time.
08:00
Epigenetic changes can be influenced by diet and environmental stimuli, such as the addition of B vitamins to a pregnant mouse's diet resulting in healthier offspring.
12:15
The decisions you make, especially at a young age, can affect several generations due to the addition of methyl tags, which can deactivate genes and lead to negative health outcomes in future generations.
15:56
Epigenetic changes can be passed down from parents to children and even grandchildren, affecting gene expression and potentially leading to conditions like PTSD being inherited.
19:46
Epigenetic changes can potentially be used to cure diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, mental disorders, and multiple sclerosis by turning on and off certain genes, and it is easier to fix the epigenome than the genome, but it is also easier to mess up your own epigenome through factors like diet and smoking.
23:42
The human epigenome project is much larger in scope than the human genome project, with 27,000 genes mapped and countless combinations to be explored, and epigenetics has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of medicine and human biology.
28:20
The hosts receive a message from a 13-year-old fan named Sarah, who asks for a comment on her blog and misspells "Australian" throughout her blog.
32:26
The hosts close the episode by thanking a young fan named Sarah for her dedication and wishing her a happy birthday.
Categories:
Society & Culture
