Scarring Childhood Leaves Scars

Considering the fact that I have been studying for my genetics exam for a few days now, I figured I would post about a new, interesting discovery made within the field of genetics.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for children to experience rough, sometimes traumatic times during their early lives. While many of these children suffer from damaging emotional problems, these traumatic experiences may be leaving even deeper, more severe scars. Researchers believe found that abused or bullied children tend to have shorter telomeres, structures found at the tip of chromosomes. The problem with shortening telomeres is that the length of one's telomeres is believed to be linked to how long you will live as well as health problems. Each time cells divide, telomeres reduce in size. Thus, as you age, your telomeres get shorter. Scientists are considering stress as an accelerator of telomere loss, leading to increased risk of developing diseases at an earlier age. For those who can relate to childhood violence or traumatic experiences, there is hope for a healthy future. Studies show that making healthful changes that reduce stress, such as eating healthy and exercising, can slow down the rate of telomere loss. With beach season quickly approaching, daily exercise and a healthy diet won't just get you in shape but give you even more years to enjoy the summer sun!

Genetics Can Determine A Potential Alcohol

I recently read an article found in the Brookhaven Bits & Bytes blog, regarding a new discovery within the field of genetics. After various testing on mice, scientists have found that a lack in a certain receptor in the brain of mice, dopamine D2, can cause mice to be more susceptible to brain damage to due alcohol intake. MRI scans showed that exposure of the brain lacking the receptors to alcohol caused shrinkage of the cerebral cortex and thalamus. This is particularly interesting to me because as a college student, alcohol consumption is seen everywhere. I am curious as to how common of a condition this is. Scientists also say a lack of this receptor is more likely to cause alcoholism in those who choose to consume. The article reminds the scientific community that genetics play a huge role in not only how are bodies are constructed and work, but also how within one's lifetime, one's genetic composition can have an affect on different lifestyle choices people make such as alcohol consumption and the recreational use of drugs. This finding can lead to people receiving a genetic test to determine whether or not these receptors are present, so that people can make a more educated decision on whether or not they want to partake in frequent alcohol consumption. The article, written by Karen Walsh can be found within the Brookhaven Bits & Bytes blog.