2 ms·

Yeah, it's been known for quite some that epigenetic changes are heritable, and that they can be stress induced.

• monkeybutton 4y ago
  I find it really interesting that one of the consequences is increased obesity in offspring. It's basically evolution passing on the message from one generation to the next: "Pack on those extra calories when you can kid, you're gonna need them!" Then when those environmental stressors are gone the signal is turned off for next generation. Sort of a short-term but cross-generational mechanism for optimizing metabolism. Wild.
  • mensetmanusman 4y ago
    It might also be a gene’s way of reducing the likelihood of future propagation due to the harm? https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/obesity-fertility-and-contraception-disparities-among-women-3-perspectives/ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/obesity-fertility-and-co...
  • em-bee 4y ago
    there was another study about obesity in sweden that could be traced to a famine in a certain village several generations earlier.