This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Monday, October 17, 2016

A Surprising Family Legacy: The Molecular Scars of Trauma


Studies by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City have discovered evidence that supports the effect of trauma over generations through epigenetics and the research of intergenerational transmission of stress effects. If an individual is the descendant of a trauma victim, an example being Holocaust survivors, they will have alteration of their genome. The manipulations discussed range from various changes of specific genes to human response to high risk events, such as cortisol levels. The researchers also speculate that this occurrence happens in individuals who have experienced famine, slavery, and abuse. These trans-generational alterations, from an evolutionary perspective, will produce effects that may be important for survival!

http://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-10-06/a-surprising-family-legacy-the-molecular-scars-of-trauma

Druonna Collier

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