fbpx
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Saturday November 23, 2024
Saturday November 23, 2024

Inheriting memories: The legacy of ancestors through epigenetics

PUBLISHED ON

|

Exploring how trauma and resilience can be passed through generations via genetic mechanisms

Since the sequencing of the human genome in 2003, genetics has become a fundamental framework for understanding our identities. From health concerns to educational strategies for non-neurotypical pupils, genetics seems to offer answers to many intimate questions about our lives. Recent research suggests that complex traits such as temperament, longevity, mental resilience, and even ideological leanings are influenced by our genes. However, the environment also plays a crucial role, interacting with genetic factors to create a complex matrix of influence.

The emerging field of epigenetics introduces a new dimension to this understanding. Scientists have discovered mechanisms that allow lived experiences and acquired knowledge to be passed on within one generation by altering the shape of specific genes. This means that an individual’s experiences, such as trauma or survival during wartime, can influence the genes and behaviours of their descendants.

Embed from Getty Images

One groundbreaking study by Prof. Kerry Ressler at Emory University in 2014 illustrated this concept using mice. Researchers exposed mice to a cherry-like smell followed by a mild electric shock, causing them to associate the scent with fear. When these mice had pups, which were not exposed to the shocks, and those pups had offspring of their own, the third generation still exhibited fear and sensitivity to the cherry scent. This effect persisted even when the pups were fostered by non-traumatized parents or conceived through IVF, confirming that the fear response was genetically inherited.

The study revealed that the trauma altered the DNA in the grandfather mouse’s sperm, which rerouted neural circuits associated with the cherry scent from pleasure to fear. This genetic change ensured that the subsequent generations inherited a heightened sensitivity to the scent, demonstrating how traumatic memories can cascade across generations.

Remarkably, the researchers found that this effect could be reversed. By re-exposing the traumatized mice to the cherry scent without shocks, their neural circuits reverted to their original state, and the fear response was no longer passed on to future generations. This finding suggests that inherited trauma can potentially be mitigated or healed.

Similar phenomena have been observed in humans. Studies on Holocaust survivors and their children by Prof. Rachel Yehuda at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York have shown that the effects of parental trauma can be transmitted through epigenetic changes. These changes can affect stress response genes and immune system function, potentially leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and autism. Further research by Ressler and Yehuda on war zone-exposed combatants revealed epigenetic markers in PTSD sufferers, which could aid in diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to the condition.

This evolving understanding of epigenetics challenges the notion that biology is destiny. Instead, it highlights how our life experiences can shape the genetic legacy we leave for our descendants. Recognizing the impact of ancestral experiences on our behaviour might enhance our empathy and understanding of others, who are also influenced by their inherited histories.

Humans uniquely engage in “cathedral thinking,” undertaking long-term projects for the benefit of future generations. This perspective is crucial for addressing multigenerational challenges like climate change and ecological crises. Epigenetics offers a hopeful outlook: just as trauma can induce far-reaching changes, so can positive experiences like trust, curiosity, and compassion. By fostering these qualities, we can create a legacy that benefits our descendants.

Analysis:

Political: The implications of epigenetics in understanding inherited trauma and resilience can influence public policies, especially in mental health and social welfare. Governments may need to consider historical traumas when designing support systems for communities affected by intergenerational trauma, such as refugees or survivors of systemic discrimination.

Social: Epigenetics highlights the importance of addressing social issues like poverty, violence, and education, which can have lasting impacts on future generations. Understanding how our experiences shape our genetic legacy can promote a more compassionate and supportive society, prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities.

Racial: Research on epigenetic inheritance underscores the long-term effects of racial trauma and systemic discrimination. Acknowledging these impacts can inform efforts to address racial disparities and support affected communities, fostering healing and resilience across generations.

Gender: Gender-specific traumas, such as domestic violence and reproductive rights violations, can have epigenetic consequences. Recognizing these impacts can lead to better support and policies aimed at addressing gender-based violence and ensuring equitable health and social services for all genders.

Economical: Understanding the economic burden of inherited trauma can lead to a more effective allocation of resources for mental health and social support services. Investing in preventative measures and support systems can reduce long-term costs associated with untreated trauma and its intergenerational effects

141 COMMENTS

  1. I will right away snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  2. I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website 🙂

  3. I carry on listening to the news talk about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?

  4. I have learn several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to create such a excellent informative website.

  5. Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

  6. Great web site. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks on your sweat!

  7. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

  8. I am no longer positive where you are getting your info, however great topic. I must spend a while learning more or working out more. Thanks for great info I used to be looking for this info for my mission.

  9. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  10. You really make it appear so easy with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be actually one thing which I think I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me. I’m looking forward for your subsequent post, I will try to get the cling of it!

  11. Very nice post and right to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂

  12. Needed to put you this bit of word to thank you so much over again just for the magnificent techniques you have provided in this article. This has been quite wonderfully open-handed of people like you to supply unreservedly what many people would’ve sold as an electronic book in order to make some bucks on their own, primarily considering the fact that you could possibly have tried it if you wanted. The smart ideas also worked to be a great way to fully grasp other people online have the identical interest much like mine to grasp a good deal more on the subject of this matter. I am sure there are thousands of more pleasant sessions ahead for folks who look into your site.

  13. Admiring the persistence you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  14. An interesting discussion is value comment. I believe that you must write extra on this subject, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  15. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity for your put up is simply spectacular and i could think you are a professional in this subject. Well along with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to keep updated with impending post. Thank you one million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  16. Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve take into accout your stuff prior to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve bought here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which during which you assert it. You make it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it smart. I cant wait to learn far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  17. Hello I am so glad I found your website, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

  18. I carry on listening to the reports talk about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?

  19. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am happy to find a lot of useful info here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  20. of course like your web site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the reality nevertheless I?¦ll surely come back again.

  21. Merely wanna comment on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the articles is rattling superb. “Art for art’s sake makes no more sense than gin for gin’s sake.” by W. Somerset Maugham.

  22. Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!

  23. Im now not positive the place you are getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time studying more or working out more. Thanks for magnificent information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.

  24. Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the internet the easiest thing to remember of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst people consider issues that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as smartly as outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  25. Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.

  26. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  27. You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  28. I used to be suggested this blog by means of my cousin. I am not positive whether or not this put up is written by means of him as no one else recognize such distinct about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thank you!

  29. I¦ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am satisfied to show that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I so much for sure will make certain to don¦t omit this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.

  30. Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

  31. of course like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth however I will definitely come back again.

  32. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What an ideal site.

  33. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Bless you!

  34. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!

  35. I do trust all of the concepts you’ve introduced to your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for novices. Could you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  36. I am a highly experienced SEO expert with over 12 years of experience in the digital marketing industry. I have a proven track record of helping businesses improve their search engine rankings and generate more traffic to their websites. I am an expert in all aspects of SEO, including keyword research, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and technical SEO. I am also proficient in Google Analytics and other SEO tools. I am a results-oriented SEO professional who is passionate about helping businesses succeed. I am always up-to-date on the latest SEO trends and best practices.

  37. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  38. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

  39. vape mod, is an electronic device used for vaping e-liquid. Vape pens come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small and compact to larger devices that resemble traditional cigarettes. Unlike disposable vapes, which are intended for single use, vape pens are rechargeable and refillable.

  40. Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  41. Discover the best THC vape pens in the UK. Shop premium THC vapes online with 10/10 Boys UK for a smooth and high-quality vaping experience. Get your premium vape now!

  42. Great paintings! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the web. Disgrace on the search engines for now not positioning this put up upper! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

  43. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this put up and if I may just I want to recommend you few interesting issues or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article. I want to read even more things about it!

  44. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.

  45. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  46. Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account appear to get one thing done.

  47. I?¦ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am satisfied to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make sure to do not disregard this website and give it a look regularly.

  48. Along with almost everything that seems to be building throughout this specific subject material, all your opinions are actually rather stimulating. On the other hand, I am sorry, because I can not give credence to your whole suggestion, all be it exciting none the less. It seems to everybody that your remarks are not entirely rationalized and in fact you are generally yourself not even wholly certain of your argument. In any event I did take pleasure in reading it.

  49. I don’t even understand how I ended up right here, however I thought this publish was once good. I do not understand who you might be however definitely you’re going to a famous blogger when you are not already 😉 Cheers!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related articles