• Description
• Images (1)
• Reviews
• Author Bio

This is the first book for general readers on this fascinating and important subject. Epigenetics studies long-term alterations in our DNA that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence itself. Our DNA is covered in a variety of organic molecules that are chemically attached to it and can influence the expression of our genetic information. What is particularly worrying is that environmental effects, such as poor nutrition, or stress on a fetus or an infant, can cause life-long epigenetic alterations.

Richard C. Francis makes the science behind epigenetics understandable through stories that feature the Dutch famine of World War II, Jose Canseco and steroids, George Washington and the breeding of mules, X-women, nonidentical identical twins, a gorilla with poor parenting skills, the obesity epidemic, guinea pigs that refuse to obey Mendel's law, and Tasmanian devils suffering from a contagious cancer.

This smart, accessible book on a key 21st century topic is a must-have for every well-informed citizen.