4 ms·
I wonder how much of the mutations in genetic material relate to simply aging and how much of it might be a reflection of environmental exposures based on when
by JamisonM 14y ago
I wonder how much of the mutations in genetic material relate to simply aging and how much of it might be a reflection of environmental exposures based on when the father was born? Substances like mercury or lead spring to mind as things that someone just 10 years older than myself would have likely had much more exposure to despite living in the same place and having the same socioeconomic status.
The fact that the female-contributed genetic material error rates are static might speak to this effect to some degree. I wonder if they are studying autism diagnosis going back in time or if all the autistic children were around the same age.
- learc83 14y agoVery good point. Does lead cause any chromosome mutations? Because if it does the phase out of leaded gasoline alone could have a huge impact.
- specialist 14y agoSubstances like mercury or lead spring to mind... Ditto chemo, steroids, smoking, alcohol, marijuana, human growth factor... Professional baseball fathers seem to have quite a few kids with physical troubles. I've always wondered if it's job related.