March 22, 2012
At the cutting edge of modern research is a field called epigenetics. Epigenetics describes the environment’s effect on our genes.
Scientists have shown that genes behave based on signatures imprinted on them through environmental influences. Sometimes, the signatures can be passed down through the generations together with the genes.
In a recent study, researchers showed that childhood mistreatment can lead to epigenetic modifications of the human GR gene. Changes to this gene can impact stress reactivity and psychopathology. Thus, the study essentially links childhood trauma and mistreatment with psychological disorders and conditions throughout life.
It’s exciting to see technology assisting modern research in discovering new information about the human body with the aims of improving quality of life.
Check out the text of the report: