The document discusses epigenetics, which is the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. An epigenome consists of molecular "switches" that turn genes on and off in response to environmental factors like diet, stress, and lifestyle choices. Experiments have found links between early life experiences like famine or smoking and health outcomes in later generations through epigenetic mechanisms. Scientists are researching epigenetics to develop new drugs that can manipulate epigenomes to treat diseases.

1. Epigenetics By Abby Johnson, Angel Vaughn, and Daniele Marcato

2. What is Epigenetics? The study of changes in gene activity that do not have to do with changes in actual DNA Abnormal traits that (as far as we know) are not necessarily determined in our genes or have no specific gene but are passed down through at least one generation Often relating to Nature v.s. Nurture

3. What is an Epigenome? A large aspect of Epigenetics A "switch" that sits on and just outside of a regular genome is responsible for the inheritance of traits caused by environment The codes on Epigenomes tell genes whether to turn on or off Epigenomes determine small things Whether we whisper or talk loudly Or more important things Immunity to disease Obesity Memory

4. What is an Epigenome? Although the Epigenome can greatly affect normal genomes, it is not evolution or DNA It only adjusts genes, it does not get rid of them or add new ones Just a response to enviornment and fades after a certain number of generations (But generations can be from 1-60+)

5. Effects of Epigenomes They are affected by certain life style choices Smoking Eating habits When they are changed, they can cause certain genes to turn on or be stronger or can cause genes to become weaker or turn off Eating to much might cause genes for obesity to become stronger while turning genes that control life expectancy down

6. Experiment Dr. Lars Olov Bygren conducted an experiment where he collected data from kids born in 1905 who grew up in Norrbotten, Sweden Small farming village So small that if harvest was bad people starved Harvest was different year to year (to much--too little) Bygren collected data on these kids, their children, and grandchildren to see what affect this eating pattern would have on them

7. Experiment Bygren found that kids who had extreme eating habits had kids and grandchildren who lived shorter lives These kids died an average of 32 years before children who had not experienced this diet A separate Experiment where 14,024 pregnant women from the same area were recruited by ALSPC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) The children and parents have been analyzed since Found that specific enviorment conditions in pregnancy and durring infancy affect children Peanut baby oil--peanut allergies High anxiety durring pregnancy--baby gets asthma Children kept extremely clean--higher risk of eczema

8. Experiment The experiment also found that 166 fathers in the study had started smoking before age 11 (right before the body goes through puberty) Sperm could have been effected by epigenomes, changed by the early smoking Sons of the 166 fathers on average had a higher BMI than other children

9. Medical Advantages Scientist are further researching Epigenetics because, if they are able to be controlled, it would be helpful in the medical world Trying to develop medicine that is able to turn off a negative epigenome and turn on a positive one 2004--the first epigenetic drug was approved Azacitidine Treats deadly blood tumors/cancers etc. Life expectancy is expanded by 9 months+ Scientists are trying to develop other medicines that manipulate epigenomes for Cancer, Schizophrenia, Autism, Alzheimers, Diabetes, etc.

10. Acknowledgments http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1951968-4,00.html http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3411/02.html