This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Gene-Environment Interplay: Public Lecture at Harvard University with Prof. Marla B. Sokolowski

Gene-Environment Interplay: Biological embedding of experience

University Professor Marla B. Sokolowski
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development, University of Toronto

Previous ideas about the origins of our individual differences were based around the nature-nurture dichotomy. Current research shows that not only do we bring genetic predispositions along with us when we are born but our genes also listen to our experience as we develop. The new field of epigenetics investigates how our behaviour and physiology responds to our experience through changes in the way genes express themselves during development and under certain environments. This gene-environment interplay throughout development molds our bodies and minds- making us who we are.  

Free and open to the public

Seating is limited, please register at: http://conte.harvard.edu/events/
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?