| When James Watson and Francis Crick first | | | | change the information flow from DNA without |
| discovered the structure of DNA in 1953 they | | | | actually changing the structure of DNA. |
| thought they had discovered the secret of | | | | |
| life. This complex nucleic acid was capable | | | | This idea has widespread ramifications. It is |
| of storing all of the information necessary | | | | now thought that chronic diseases such as |
| to produce and maintain a living organism. | | | | diabetes and heart disease are not solely |
| The science of genetics was born and moved | | | | caused by genes but also have a strong |
| toward a complete understanding of the gene | | | | behavioral component. Information not only |
| culminating in the genome project which | | | | travels from DNA to cells but can also travel |
| mapped the human genome in 1993. | | | | back to DNA from outside sources. There is a |
| | | | feedback loop of information flowing to and |
| Our genes determine what our bodies look like | | | | from DNA. The system consists of more than a |
| and how they work. Even behavioral traits | | | | static one-way flow of information but is |
| have been linked to our genes. Information is | | | | more holistic and dynamic in nature involving |
| thought to flow down a one way street; from | | | | feedback from the organism. |
| the DNA wellspring to cells to the rest of | | | | |
| the body. This concept of one-way information | | | | A practical implication of this concept is |
| flow is even called the central dogma of | | | | the feedback from behaviors. For example, |
| biology. But are we really slaves to our | | | | following a healthy lifestyle can not only |
| genes? | | | | provide benefits to your wellbeing but these |
| | | | benefits can also be passed on to your |
| Watson and Crick's monumental discovery was a | | | | offspring. We have been touting the benefits |
| giant step in understanding the inner | | | | of following a healthy lifestyle for years |
| workings of life but it was not the whole | | | | but until recently no one knew that actual |
| story. The idea of a one-way flow of | | | | genes could be turned on or off. |
| information is now changing with the new | | | | |
| science of epigenetics. Epigenetics has to do | | | | This opens up a whole new realm of thinking. |
| with changes in the function of genes without | | | | In other words someone may have a gene for |
| changing DNA. In other words there may be a | | | | cancer or heart disease but it is possible |
| complex information system that affects the | | | | for that gene never to be turned on. I |
| information flow from DNA to the cell without | | | | personally find this information hopeful in |
| affecting the DNA itself. This system is | | | | finding new ways to live a healthy life and |
| affected by behavioral and environmental | | | | to heal. We are not slaves to our genes after |
| changes. This means that you may be able to | | | | all. |