Modern biotechnology already allows us to make corrections in our own genetic code which we inherited from previous generations. But with all the advances in genetic engineering and genome sequencing it becomes increasingly obvious, that making desired changes is not that simple.
Genes are not just simple switches. Perhaps it is time to focus on epigenetics, instead of pursuing the concept of genetic human modification? Image credit: University of Michigan via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
A decade or two ago, scientists thought that by determining our genetic code we'd have answers to all our problems, including possibility to eliminate causes of all diseases, to change our physique according to our desires, extend lifespan, or even to improve our mental capacity.
But genes are not just simple switches: many are responsible for different interconnected processes, and many also have purposes entirely unknown to us. And the most interesting thing is that many cellular mechanisms are activated or deactivated without any medical intervention, gradually breaking the idea “our genes are our fate”.
This is the reason for a rapid advancement in the field called epigenetics. Researchers have already proven that our lifestyle and environment surrounding us can make changes in our genes associated with our health and well-being. Simple changes in our daily life, such as variations in diet, pollution, stress, and exercise levels can affect which genes are silenced, and which become expressed more actively.
The following video from the creators of Spark tells the whole story about the promise and potential of epigenetics: