Podcast: What is 'epigenetics' and how our emotions affect DNA | In the end it's all a matter of chemistry (chapter 2)

 

Tel Aviv 360 podcast of Tel Aviv University. Interviewed, Prof. Yuval Ebenstein (Hebrew only)

Another episode in the podcast series on 'Chemistry'. This episode deals with DNA, one of the most fascinating molecules in the universe. This molecule carries the genetic story that dictates who we are. This story consists of four letters: A, G, T, C, which mark the four bases arranged in varying sequences, along the DNA helix. The intuitive concept was that these bases make up the entire genetic story, but studies have revealed that one of the bases is capable of being changed by adding a molecular switch (such as methyl, for example), which affects the execution of the code stored in DNA. This opens up a new field of research called 'epigenetics' - which is a field in biology that deals with changes in the function of genes, which do not involve changing the DNA sequence itself.

epigenetics. Illustration: depositphotos.com
epigenetics. Illustration: depositphotos.com


We asked Prof. Yuval Ebenstein about the characteristics of 'epigenetics'. Does it explain, for example, not only the changes between identical twins with the same genetic load, but also the changes between different tissue areas in the same person's body and furthermore, does it link biological signatures with mental or environmental conditions?
In addition, we also asked about other studies being conducted in his laboratory such as - a simple blood test for the early detection of certain types of cancer and how can traces of emotional distress be detected with the help of 'epigenetics'?
Listen to another episode of the "Tel Aviv 360" podcast series hosted by Vared Levkovitz

 

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Link to the Tel Aviv 360 website

More of the topic in Hayadan: (Beresheet is the Hebrew name for the book of Genesis)

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