Nature vs. Nurture
It's an ages-old argument. What makes an "evil twin?" Is it the upbringing (nurture) or the genes (nature)? As we keep learning more about the human body and DNA we are more sure it is a little bit of both!
Instead of "nature vs. nurture" the more correct phrase these days would be "genetics and environment." We know that these two things go hand in hand when explaining the differences in siblings, even identical twins. If you have seen some of the stories of twins separated at birth and raised in different environments (even countries!) they are often not the same height, weight, etc.
As genealogists you may have already come across some discussions about traumas such as war or famine (Ireland's particular) are remembered at a cellular level way down deep inside of us. Psychology Today published an article citing, "Modern scientific methods have allowed researchers to advance further in understanding the complex relationships between genetics, life experience, and psychological characteristics, including mental health conditions and personality traits." I spoke with a neurologist this year who confirmed to me that studies show how WE respond to current difficulties may actually descend from our ancestors!
The easiest way I have learned to think about it is to think of your DNA is a map, or a book and it does not change. Epigenetics is like a book or a map that gets highlighted or you put a sticky note on.
Every single cell in everybody carries the full instructions on how to build another you. "Epigenetics" is what tells a cell to become a heart as opposed to a finger by turning on a switch.
And the human design is so amazing that the cells "learn" which switches to turn on or turn off when faced with a problem like scarcity of food - as shown in studies of relatively recent famines in China and the Netherlands show that the body learns to turn on the switches that store fat cells! It is believed that epigenetic switches can be turned off or turned on so as scientists continue to study they hope to be able to turn off cancer cells or turn on healing cells to cure diseases!
The human body is truly an amazing thing and as we discover more about the makeup of DNA and all of the chemicals involved, it appears even more amazing, doesn't it?
Speaking of DNA, have you seen your new Ancestry Origins? Mine have gotten very specific about which regions of Ireland my family is from - perhaps I can narrow down that search a little more!
Can I help you with your origins? Send me an email for a free review of what you DO know and I'll see if I can help you get around that brick wall if not through it!
Regards,
Leslie Ryan
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