Stress can really affect how our genes work, and this can carry on for future generations through something called epigenetics.
DNA Methylation: When there's stress, it can change the way DNA is marked. For example, researchers found that baby mice whose mothers were stressed had a 30% drop in how their genes responded to stress. This happened because of changes in the DNA markings.
Histone Modification: Stress can also change proteins that help package DNA in our cells. Studies have shown that stress can increase the activity of genes in brain cells, and these changes can continue to affect future generations.
Transgenerational Effects: If one generation goes through stress, it can lead to changes that the following generations might inherit. One interesting finding is that 25% of the changes in DNA markings might last for at least two generations.
Behavioral Impact: These changes in our genes can show up as differences in behavior. Some studies found that mothers who experienced stress could pass on anxious traits to about 50% of their children.
Understanding how stress affects our genes can help us see how our environment and families influence our health.
Stress can really affect how our genes work, and this can carry on for future generations through something called epigenetics.
DNA Methylation: When there's stress, it can change the way DNA is marked. For example, researchers found that baby mice whose mothers were stressed had a 30% drop in how their genes responded to stress. This happened because of changes in the DNA markings.
Histone Modification: Stress can also change proteins that help package DNA in our cells. Studies have shown that stress can increase the activity of genes in brain cells, and these changes can continue to affect future generations.
Transgenerational Effects: If one generation goes through stress, it can lead to changes that the following generations might inherit. One interesting finding is that 25% of the changes in DNA markings might last for at least two generations.
Behavioral Impact: These changes in our genes can show up as differences in behavior. Some studies found that mothers who experienced stress could pass on anxious traits to about 50% of their children.
Understanding how stress affects our genes can help us see how our environment and families influence our health.