Epigenetics-Genes Have On and Off Switches (#2067)

Recently, scientists have realized that genes aren’t a fixed, predetermined program passed from one generation to the next. Instead, genes can be turned on and off by experiences and environment. In this new science of epigenetics, researchers are exploring how nature and nurture combine to cause behavior, traits, and illnesses that genes alone can’t explain, ranging from sexual orientation to autism to cancer. Although identical twins share all of the same genes, they usually do not display identical health histories. Why? Do we have more control over our health than we thought? Sign up to learn more in laymen’s languageabout this fascinating science.