Identical twins share the same genes and are often startlingly alike. Why, then, should they often meet such different fates one twin developing a serious disease like cancer while the other remains unscathed? In a compelling scientific detective story, The Ghost in Your Genes explores the provocative idea that there may be more to inheritance than genes alone. New clues reveal that a second epigenetic chemical code sits on top of our regular DNA and controls how our genes are expressed, turning them on or off with dramatic consequences for our health.
This revolutionary finding has vital implications not only for treating disease but for how we take care of ourselves. While we inherit the epigenome much as we do DNA, it appears to respond far more to our environment and lifestyles. So our stress levels and what we eat, drink, and breathe may leave an enduring imprint, not just on our own bodies but on the generations to come. In a tour-de-force of scientific sleuthing, NOVA reveals the discoveries that have overturned the old story of inheritance and have profound relevance for how we choose to lead our lives.
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April 28, 2008
#1
This video is a must see. It helps to understand why we have to take care of ourselves not even just for us, but for our future generations. I believe it is better if the video “Cracking the code of life” is watched first. The only complain I have is that many of the scenes of people in the lab, etc, used in both movies are exactly the same, but these scenes are just background fillers so it is not important for the overall message of the movie.
April 28, 2008
#2
Good presentation of an interesting and important topic in genetic research.
This documentary explores what may be a breakthrought theory of how environment can affect genetic expression and do so WITHOUT altering the fundamental DNA of the affected specimen. According to epigenetic theory, chemical “tags” attach to genetic (DNA) segments, effectively inactivating or modifying their protein production. According to preliminary research and statistical analysis of historical Scandinavian death certificates and preliminary laboratory experiments using animals, these “chemical tags” appear to be produced by environmental factors and are generationally transmittable. However, it is not clear from this documentary how this generational transmission is achieved, but only presents data supporting the correlation between environmental factors and genetic responses (deficiencies mainly) and also offers the concept of “chemical tags” as the agents that effect the environmental influence. This documentary and the epigenentic theory is extremely important to resolving the Nature vs Nurture debate. Caveat: I am NOT a biologist, biochemist or geneticist.
April 28, 2008
#3
An amazing review of the current knowledge and future potential of epigenetics. Made so that a non-scientific person can understand it. It is extremely well made, being very informative and entertaining.
April 28, 2008
#4
This is an intriguing exploration of various influences that our parents and grandparents have been subjected to which unexpectedly effect the way our genes express themselves generations later. These results are not themselves passed along but rather difficult-to-explain “influences” which impact our development and vulnerability to disease. How these influences can be passed along when when no specific biological carriers have been identified is unknown and this issue, as well as the ramifications for all kinds of disease research, is examined.
April 28, 2008
#5
I bought this product because I am very interested in the sciences. I knew that scientists anticipated that after the Human Genome was fully sequenced, we could learn much more about genetic diseases and other important information germane to potentially advancing human survival. But they learned much more. The great thing about Discovery science is that once you uncover an anatomical fact about the human body, many more doors open. For example, I see my skin, under my skin is my vein, my veins contain blood pumped from the hear, the heart is comprised of four chambers, the heart is a muscle, a muscle is made of tissues, which are made of similar cells, cells, are comprised of organelles made of molecules or macromolecules, made of atoms, etc. With regard to genetics, after the uncovering of the seemingly endless sequence of As, Ts, G, and Cs we realized that this sequence isnt the only things that dictates how our bodies function, but also a phenomena (which is now being understood at an exponential rate) called epigenetics has its role as well. Epigenetics is the process of using products of biosynthesis to control which genes are turned on and off giving rise to different behaviors or phenotypes. While this is ultimately controlled by the DNA, we must understand the epigenome as well. The action is the epigenome is an unique emergent property of the genetic code. From the understanding that is already attained many beneficial consequences have emerged from assisting in cancer treatment to other understanding fat storage and production in mice. This is a captivating and educational video; it will without a doubt leave you thinking about the intense complexity of life and the importance of science.