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Nature vs. Nurture and Epigenetics
Jun 22, 2024
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Nature vs. Nurture and Epigenetics
Introducing Lucky Lyle and Trouble Tim
Identical twins
raised in different environments:
Lucky Lyle
: Model citizen, works, pays taxes, educated
Trouble Tim
: Criminal, robs banks, doesn't pay taxes, imprisoned
The Big Question: What Makes Us Us?
Early explanations
: Supernatural
Emergence of science
led to two main theories:
Nurture
: Environment shapes us (social sciences)
Nature
: Genes as unchangeable blueprints (biological sciences)
Introduction to Epigenetics
Epigenetics
: Interaction between genes and environment
Key question by researcher Michael Meany
: What makes a good rat mama?
The Rat Mama Study
Licking as a sign of motherly care
:
High-licking mothers = loving and caring
Low-licking mothers = less nurturing
Findings
: Babies of high-licking mothers grow up to be high-lickers regardless of genetics
Cross-Fostering Experiment
Method
: Swapping babies between high-licking and low-licking mothers
Result
: Mother’s behavior influences baby’s behavior, not genetics
Scientific Dive
: Brain examination showed differences in genes related to motherly care
Methyl Groups and Genetic Expression
Newborn rats
: Methyl groups attached to genes, silencing them
High-licking mothers
: Methyl groups disappear, genes get expressed
Implications for Humans
Similar effects
in humans:
Environmental influences (e.g., nutrition, exercise, smoking, stress, love) affect biology
Changes observable at the DNA level
Epigenetic changes
: Continuous throughout life, lifestyle choices can influence development
Conclusion
Nature vs. Nurture
: Both factors contribute but interact through epigenetics
Empowering message
: Our choices and environment significantly influence our genetic expression and development.
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