Ghost in Your Genes

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Starring: Nova
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: n/a
Studio: WGBH Boston
Release Date: 2008-01-14
Identical twins share the same genes and are often startlingly alike. Why, then, should they often meet such different fates one twin developing a serious disease like cancer while the other remains unscathed? In a compelling scientific detective story, The Ghost in Your Genes explores the provocative idea that there may be more to inheritance than genes alone. New clues reveal that a second epigenetic chemical code sits on top of our regular DNA and controls how our genes are expressed, turning them on or off with dramatic consequences for our health.

This revolutionary finding has vital implications not only for treating disease but for how we take care of ourselves. While we inherit the epigenome much as we do DNA, it appears to respond far more to our environment and lifestyles. So our stress levels and what we eat, drink, and breathe may leave an enduring imprint, not just on our own bodies but on the generations to come. In a tour-de-force of scientific sleuthing, NOVA reveals the discoveries that have overturned the old story of inheritance and have profound relevance for how we choose to lead our lives.

Really interesting!
I love this video! Many people have never heard of the epigenome and have no idea what roles it may play. The video walks the viewer through studies and evidence that point to roles the epigenome may play in disease, life span, obesity, and other interesting outcomes. Some of the interpretations of the research outcomes are speculative (e.g., what happens to us may affect the health of our grandchildren), but the video points out that this is the far edge of interpretation. Either way it gets the viewer thinking about the possibilities and ramifications of damaging our epigenomes.

Great new (to me) stuff
I bought this product because I am very interested in the sciences. I knew that scientists anticipated that after the Human Genome was fully sequenced, we could learn much more about genetic diseases and other important information germane to potentially advancing human survival. But they learned much more. The great thing about Discovery science is that once you uncover an anatomical fact about the human body, many more doors open. For example, I see my skin, under my skin is my vein, my veins contain blood pumped from the hear, the heart is comprised of four chambers, the heart is a muscle, a muscle is made of tissues, which are made of similar cells, cells, are comprised of organelles made of molecules or macromolecules, made of atoms, etc. With regard to genetics, after the uncovering of the seemingly endless sequence of As, Ts, G, and Cs we realized that this sequence isnt the only things that dictates how our bodies function, but also a phenomena (which is now being understood at an exponential rate) called epigenetics has its role as well. Epigenetics is the process of using products of biosynthesis to control which genes are turned on and off giving rise to different behaviors or phenotypes. While this is ultimately controlled by the DNA, we must understand the epigenome as well. The action is the epigenome is an unique emergent property of the genetic code. From the understanding that is already attained many beneficial consequences have emerged from assisting in cancer treatment to other understanding fat storage and production in mice. This is a captivating and educational video; it will without a doubt leave you thinking about the intense complexity of life and the importance of science.

ghost in your genes
as a physician practising cutting edge medicine, i can't tell you how pleased i am that nova did a story on this subject. i use methyl B12 shots in autism to help with defects in this biochemistry, but it is also effecting their epigenome, which explains why so many kids with autism and even chronic fatigue benefit from it. i tell all patients to avoid pesticides in foods. the study discussed in the nova segment, explains how the epigenome of rats is effected for many generations after the exposure of the pregnant rat, from tumors to prostate problems. amazing, a must watch for all who are interested in health and prevention. i made my first year medical students at usc watch it

Things are not as simple as the bean plants
Mendel showed how genes can combine and produce Phenotypes across generations in regular and mathematically precise patterns. Welcome to the 21st century -- now things are getting incredibly complex and extremely interesting... In this video, we see how genes and environment can interact across generations -- even skipping over generations -- to produce historic effects. A sort of "culture" of the genes based on gene regulators. Combine this with the emerging science of Evolutionary Development (see Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science Of Evo Devo And The Making Of The Animal Kingdom), and we have an incredible and exciting revolution in the works. We still know very little about the complex interactions of genes and environments. There is much still hidden and full of potential. The possibilities here are staggering in their import.

This DVD is presented in an exciting and very understandable way. It was fun to watch. This is a whole new world opening up in science. Don't miss it. This is the future taking shape.

Fascinating discussion of trans-generational biological influences
This is an intriguing exploration of various influences that our parents and grandparents have been subjected to which unexpectedly effect the way our genes express themselves generations later. These results are not themselves passed along but rather difficult-to-explain "influences" which impact our development and vulnerability to disease. How these influences can be passed along when when no specific biological carriers have been identified is unknown and this issue, as well as the ramifications for all kinds of disease research, is examined.