A tweak of a gene could transform our looks in a few generations
The proportion of people with desirable physical traits could rapidly accelerate over a few generations with the aid of a diet that tweaks the activity of particular genes.
The Conversation: 8 February 2012
Epigenetics: A turning point in our understanding of heredity
Experiments that caused genetically-identical nematodes to have different lifespans have opened the door to new understanding of heredity.
Scientific American, 16 January 2012
High-fat diet leaves its mark on sperm
Poor diets can cause tiny changes in mice sperm that can lead to metabolic disorders (eg diabetes) in their offspring.
New Scientist: 19 December 2011
Epigenetics reveals there is no such thing as identical twins
A large twin study has shown the extent that epigenetic regulation has on personality differences between twins.
Garvan Institute 12 October
Epigenetic changes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar
Twin studies have shown that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have changes in gene activity caused by their environment.
New Scientist: 29 September 2011
Plant RNAs Found in Mammals
MicroRNAs from plants accumulate in mammalian blood and tissues, where they can regulate gene expression.
The Scientist: 20 September 2011
TechNyou
This is a fascinating finding and I am sure will open up all sorts of possibilities such as new drugs or medicinal plants, but I suspect the anti-pro GM banter will start on this. Not sure why because as far as I can tell the issues are not GM technology issues. They might be plant breeding issues, but overall I think it is simply a revealing piece of research.
Human Genetics and Patterns of Inheritance
Genes and ChromosomesGenetic Conditions – Overview
Genetic Counselling
Changes to the Genetic Code
Changes That Make A Gene Faulty
Changes to Chromosomes – Number, Size and Structure
Changes to Chromosome Structure – Translocations Autosomal Recessive Inheritance – Traditional Patterns of Inheritance 1
Autosomal Dominant Inheritance – Traditional Patterns of Inheritance 2
X-linked Inheritance – Traditional Patterns of Inheritance 3
Environmental and Genetic Interactions – Complex Patterns of Inheritance 1
Mitochondrial Inheritance – Complex Patterns of Inheritance 2
Mosaicism – Complex Patterns of Inheritance 3
X Chromosome Inactivation – Epigenetics 1
Genetic Imprinting – Epigenetics 2
When Parents are Relatives – Consanguinity
Centre for Genetics Education Fact Sheets
Genetic ‘typo’ that boosts cancer risk
A “spelling mistake” in a DNA sequence can trigger a process that switches a crucial anti-cancer gene off.
The Conversation: 16 August 2011
Epigenetics 101
By Jason Major
TechNyou
Are you teaching epigenetics, or just interested in the topic?
The current issue of The Scientist focuses on epigenetics. It covers the basics with some reasonably good graphics, at least for those with the basics of DNA under their belt.
Other topics include epigenetics in cancer, the environment and implications for society
On the whole this is a good intro to the topic – your epigenetics 101, if you like.
Uncertainty principle: How evolution hedges its bets
Genetics and epigenetics: how evolution may have come up with an extraordinary way of generating more variety.