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In reply to the discussion: Why Hasn't Christie Lost Any Weight? [View all]NutmegYankee
(16,216 posts)33. It's a field of research called Epigenetics.
In genetics, epigenetics is the study of cellular and physiological trait variations that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence; in laymans terms, epigenetics is essentially the study of external or environmental factors that turn genes on and off and affect how cells read genes.
Research is finding that we can indeed pass down experiences and exposures from our own lives:
http://discovermagazine.com/2013/may/13-grandmas-experiences-leave-epigenetic-mark-on-your-genes
The two engaged in animated conversation about a hot new line of research in genetics. Since the 1970s, researchers had known that the tightly wound spools of DNA inside each cells nucleus require something extra to tell them exactly which genes to transcribe, whether for a heart cell, a liver cell or a brain cell.
One such extra element is the methyl group, a common structural component of organic molecules. The methyl group works like a placeholder in a cookbook, attaching to the DNA within each cell to select only those recipes er, genes necessary for that particular cells proteins. Because methyl groups are attached to the genes, residing beside but separate from the double-helix DNA code, the field was dubbed epigenetics, from the prefix epi (Greek for over, outer, above).
Originally these epigenetic changes were believed to occur only during fetal development. But pioneering studies showed that molecular bric-a-brac could be added to DNA in adulthood, setting off a cascade of cellular changes resulting in cancer. Sometimes methyl groups attached to DNA thanks to changes in diet; other times, exposure to certain chemicals appeared to be the cause. Szyf showed that correcting epigenetic changes with drugs could cure certain cancers in animals.
Geneticists were especially surprised to find that epigenetic change could be passed down from parent to child, one generation after the next. A study from Randy Jirtle of Duke University showed that when female mice are fed a diet rich in methyl groups, the fur pigment of subsequent offspring is permanently altered. Without any change to DNA at all, methyl groups could be added or subtracted, and the changes were inherited much like a mutation in a gene.
One such extra element is the methyl group, a common structural component of organic molecules. The methyl group works like a placeholder in a cookbook, attaching to the DNA within each cell to select only those recipes er, genes necessary for that particular cells proteins. Because methyl groups are attached to the genes, residing beside but separate from the double-helix DNA code, the field was dubbed epigenetics, from the prefix epi (Greek for over, outer, above).
Originally these epigenetic changes were believed to occur only during fetal development. But pioneering studies showed that molecular bric-a-brac could be added to DNA in adulthood, setting off a cascade of cellular changes resulting in cancer. Sometimes methyl groups attached to DNA thanks to changes in diet; other times, exposure to certain chemicals appeared to be the cause. Szyf showed that correcting epigenetic changes with drugs could cure certain cancers in animals.
Geneticists were especially surprised to find that epigenetic change could be passed down from parent to child, one generation after the next. A study from Randy Jirtle of Duke University showed that when female mice are fed a diet rich in methyl groups, the fur pigment of subsequent offspring is permanently altered. Without any change to DNA at all, methyl groups could be added or subtracted, and the changes were inherited much like a mutation in a gene.
The research continues, but it is now believed that exposure to certain chemicals or toxins can cause a change in gene expression and cause someone to become obese prone. Some of the suspected chemicals are commonly used in the USA.
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really did not need to see that...........now time for a puppy video to erase that image
Demonaut
Jun 2015
#74
"I like to demonize people." Hoot at parties, I bet you are one hell of a.
cherokeeprogressive
Jun 2015
#30
If you are predisposed to be overweight, it's very difficult to keep it off.
NutmegYankee
Jun 2015
#12
simply to the topic of having the staples- there are people who work around the stapling.
KittyWampus
Jun 2015
#28
Stomach stappling alone will not do it. There is a strict diet that goes with it and you still have
jwirr
Jun 2015
#40
Congrats. There are "Walking Workouts" you can do anywheres. Mainly keeping pace
KittyWampus
Jun 2015
#61
Because a lot of people who get their stomach stapled don't actually change their habits.
Drunken Irishman
Jun 2015
#60