Full Description
This book considers the branch of heredity known as "epigenetics" and its implications for a variety of diseases in humans and animals. After background information on the growth in understanding genetics and the mechanisms of the epigenetic control of gene expression, the book moves into its main focus: the gathering body of evidence connecting genetics to a range of significant illnesses, including cancer, autism, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and others.
Areas of uncertainty are stressed as well as the scientific debate concerning the role of environmental factors. The final chapters discuss the implications for society. Extensive notes provide additional details and personal anecdotes.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface: A Scientific Detective Story
Introduction: The 40-Year-Old Mystery
1. The Long Winding Road to the Long Neck
2. Genes: The Hardware and the Software
3. Mutations and Epimutations
4. Epigenetics: What Makes It Unique?
5. Epigenetics and Cancer: Do We Really Want to Know What's Out There?
6. Epigenetics and Diabetes: More Grim News
7. Alzheimer's Disease and Epigenetics: Castles in the Sand
8. A Basket of Mental Disorders
9. Epigenetics and Autism: The Queen of the Night
10. Epigenetic Exercise: Just Do It
11. Aging: The End Game
12. Epigenetics to the Ends of the Earth
13. Why Should You Care About Epigenetics?
14. Pulling It All Together
15. The Way Forward
Epilogue: Concluding Thoughts on the 40-Year-Old Mystery
Chapter Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
