Nikki Lee <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>Dear Friends:
>
>In this week's Newsweek Magazine, Sharon Begley has a fascinating article
>entitled "The Sins of the Fathers, Take 2".
>http://www.newsweek.com/id/180103

I'm on a tight deadline right now, but I wanted to note that the 
mechanism is not a change in the genes themselves, but rather a 
change in how the genes are expressed. Those changes are often 
brought about through, for example, methylation of the DNA bases. 
You'll find a lot if you google "epigenetics". The idea has been 
around for a while; Bob Weinhold has a nice article at 
<http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/114-3/focus.html>.

Some research has already been done with regard to epigenetics and 
reproduction, primarily with regard to diethylstilbestrol and 
environmental chemicals. A few years ago, some researchers in 
Washington state showed the effects of environmental exposures in one 
generation could be carried to at least the fourth generation even 
though no further exposure occurred after the first generation (see 
<http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscience/reproduction/sperm/2005/2005-0602anwayetal.htm>.)

All in all, I don't think this means that Darwin was wrong or the 
Lamarck was right. Epigenetics is a finessing of our understanding of 
genetics, which now must encompass gene-environment interactions. It 
should also be noted that epigenetic changes are not necessarily 
harmful; the general thought is that these changes better prepare 
organisms for survival. The modern-day problem, however, is that some 
of the signals that induce epigenetic changes are not natural ones.

With regard to lactation and early nutrition, those things set the 
tone for a child's development and there is very likely an epigenetic 
component. I don't have anything in hand though, and the clock is ticking!

regards,
Julia


Julia R. Barrett
Science Writer & Editor in the Life Sciences
Madison, Wisconsin
[log in to unmask] 

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome