The Developing Genome

An Introduction to Behavioral Epigenetics

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Medical Science, Genetics, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
Cover of the book The Developing Genome by David S. Moore, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David S. Moore ISBN: 9780190613761
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: March 2, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: David S. Moore
ISBN: 9780190613761
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: March 2, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Why do we grow up to look, act, and feel as we do? Through most of the twentieth century, scientists and laypeople answered this question by referring to two factors alone: our experiences and our genes. But recent discoveries about how genes work have revealed a new way to understand the developmental origins of our characteristics. These discoveries have emerged from the new science of behavioral epigenetics--and just as the whole world has now heard of DNA, "epigenetics" will be a household word in the near future. Behavioral epigenetics is important because it explains how our experiences get under our skin and influence the activity of our genes. Because of breakthroughs in this field, we now know that the genes we're born with don't determine if we'll end up easily stressed, likely to fall ill with cancer, or possessed of a powerful intellect. Instead, what matters is what our genes do. And because research in behavioral epigenetics has shown that our experiences influence how our genes function, this work has changed how scientists think about nature, nurture, and human development. Diets, environmental toxins, parenting styles, and other environmental factors all influence genetic activity through epigenetic mechanisms; this discovery has the potential to alter how doctors treat diseases, and to change how mental health professionals treat conditions from schizophrenia to post-traumatic stress disorder. These advances could also force a reworking of the theory of evolution that dominated twentieth-century biology, and even change how we think about human nature itself. In spite of the importance of this research, behavioral epigenetics is still relatively unknown to non-biologists. The Developing Genome is an introduction to this exciting new discipline; it will allow readers without a background in biology to learn about this work and its revolutionary implications.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why do we grow up to look, act, and feel as we do? Through most of the twentieth century, scientists and laypeople answered this question by referring to two factors alone: our experiences and our genes. But recent discoveries about how genes work have revealed a new way to understand the developmental origins of our characteristics. These discoveries have emerged from the new science of behavioral epigenetics--and just as the whole world has now heard of DNA, "epigenetics" will be a household word in the near future. Behavioral epigenetics is important because it explains how our experiences get under our skin and influence the activity of our genes. Because of breakthroughs in this field, we now know that the genes we're born with don't determine if we'll end up easily stressed, likely to fall ill with cancer, or possessed of a powerful intellect. Instead, what matters is what our genes do. And because research in behavioral epigenetics has shown that our experiences influence how our genes function, this work has changed how scientists think about nature, nurture, and human development. Diets, environmental toxins, parenting styles, and other environmental factors all influence genetic activity through epigenetic mechanisms; this discovery has the potential to alter how doctors treat diseases, and to change how mental health professionals treat conditions from schizophrenia to post-traumatic stress disorder. These advances could also force a reworking of the theory of evolution that dominated twentieth-century biology, and even change how we think about human nature itself. In spite of the importance of this research, behavioral epigenetics is still relatively unknown to non-biologists. The Developing Genome is an introduction to this exciting new discipline; it will allow readers without a background in biology to learn about this work and its revolutionary implications.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Psychology of the Supreme Court by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Making Magic by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Conversation and Responsibility by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Social Support Measurement and Intervention by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Islam, Gender, and Social Change by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Nietzsche's New Darwinism by David S. Moore
Cover of the book The Joy of Philosophy by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Brown-Sequard by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Africa, Empire and Fleet Street by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Opening a Mountain by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Groundbreakers by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Talking 'Bout Your Mama by David S. Moore
Cover of the book Foundations of Musical Grammar by David S. Moore
Cover of the book The Face of Mammon by David S. Moore
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy