Epigenetics - Advance or Decline | JTOP

Epigenetics can be defined, in general terms, as the study of our genes, specifically on how we can alter our genes through the behavior we exhibit/the reactions to our environment.

Studies say that around 60% (or 0.6) of our genes are passed down from our parents.  So at birth, we are given a deck of cards that, to a certain degree, dictate who we are (who we will be), but can we alter this blueprint?  The blanket answer is yes.

From a very early age, we are to some degree rewriting our blueprint (our genes), and the experiences we have and the choices we make will alter the genes that we pass onto our kids (good or bad).  Kind of puts a new spin on 'setting a good example' doesn't it?

This conversation, as well, puts a twist on the 'nature vs. nurture' theory.

Take for example Andy Alpha, his parents were both Olympic athletes that excelled in their respective sports.  Unfortunately, when Andy was 28 he was in a car accident with some friends that left him paralyzed from the neck down.  This experience of his took his positive and high activity level temperaments to dark places.

Though his will to succeed carried his spirits high for many years, the grim reality of his environment eventually led his mood temperament to become negative.

Furthermore, his kids were very young before his accident, and did not have the opportunity to know their dad when he was happy.

Does this absence of joy and optimism in Andy's kids' lives now change the gene structure for Andy's grandkids?  It very well could.  This is a prime example of how Epigenetics might occur in our lives.


Lenny Vineham


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Deviant Peer Contagion | JTOP

Image
Deviant Peer Contagion is loosely defined as behavior, generally negative/destructive, that is learned through a group or peer adolescent setting. One of the unique elements of DPC, one of the moving parts per se, is the influence that body language/gestures can have on the decisions/learning of the group.  An intrinsic part of many adolescent, deviant peer groups is that any potential 'leader' may be over-analyzed by other members, which sets up the breeding ground for a contagion such as an innocent, average gesture being observed as a learning objective. Potentially, compounding such a learning gesture might occur when the gesture is timed while a 'leader', by accident or otherwise, creates the gesture (let's call it a weird cough) while displaying a negative behavior. Tom, Larry, Fred, and a few other members are now associating this weird cough with doing 'bad behavior a'.  Days go by, and these 3 members are now fully behind the weird cough contagion,...
Read more

French Revolution | A Recap

S o the French Revolution roughly took place from 1789-1799, but before we talk about that, let's take a look at what French society looked like before the revolution. France prior to the 19th century, late 18th century, ran on an absolute monarchy.  Monarchs at the time held the Divine Right of Kings, which instilled the belief in monarchs that their power came from God and that they should only have to answer to God himself. In this system, any and all decisions were made by the monarch, and all other citizens were to show strict obedience to the monarch.  Obedience was a norm of this time as a lack thereof could very likely result in death.  This makes a strong and contrasting comparison to the compliance that the average adult would face in our day in age, in 2024.  So how did we get there?  Well, let's look at some early movements that helped pave the path, slowly, towards today's society. French society before the late 18th century was roughly made up of 3...
Read more