Lifestyle and diet 'change DNA over generations'
A NEW study has added to growing evidence that diet and lifestyle can play a direct role in altering a person's DNA, impacting on later generations.
The findings also suggests a possible connection with ailments of ageing, such as heart disease and cancer.
Scientists know that while the genetic code is fixed, it can be affected by chemical "switches" controlled by environmental factors.
They can turn genes on or off, with implications for health and susceptibility to disease. Evidence from animal experiments and some human studies suggests these "epigenetic" effects can be inherited.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health in Baltimore, US, looked at DNA from 600 people taking part in an investigation in Iceland.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Mystery after body discovered near West Highland Way
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Leveson inquiry: Tony Blair defends links with Rupert Murdoch
- Abu Qatada case stalls again but Olympics mean he must stay in prison
- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Jim McColl may back Scottish independence if third option omitted
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Rangers takeover: CVA bid ‘on track’ as date is set for 14 June
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
