News & Reviews Archives | What is Epigenetics?

Fathers’ Teenage Weight May Leave an Epigenetic Mark on Future Children

May 19, 2026 Natalie Crowley

A father’s health before conception may play a larger role in a child’s future biology than once thought. While much attention has traditionally focused on maternal health during pregnancy, growing research suggests that a father’s early-life experiences may also influence the next generation through epigenetic changes. A study from researchers at the University of Southampton and the University of Bergen found that boys who became overweight during early adolescence had children with epigenetic markers linked to obesity, asthma, and low [more…]

Why Skin Aging Can Progress Faster Than Expected

May 12, 2026 WhatIsEpigenetics

Two people can be the same chronological age, yet their skin may appear to age at very different rates. One person may develop fine lines, dryness, uneven pigmentation, or slower wound healing earlier than expected, while another may show these changes more gradually. This difference is often described as accelerated skin aging. Rather than being a separate process, it reflects a faster progression of the same biological changes seen in normal skin aging. These changes are shaped not only by [more…]

DNA Methylation Dynamics in Aging Skin

May 5, 2026 WhatIsEpigenetics

Your skin is often the first place where aging becomes visible. Fine lines, dryness, uneven tone, and slower healing can appear long before other signs of aging are noticeable elsewhere in the body. But these changes are not only happening at the surface. Beneath the visible signs of aging, skin cells undergo molecular changes that affect how they function over time. One important change involves DNA methylation, an epigenetic process that helps regulate gene activity. Research suggests that DNA methylation [more…]

Skin Epigenetic Hydroxylation Incompetence-Targeted GTA Skincare: A New Attempt to Address Accelerated Skin Aging

January 13, 2026 Clarissa Li

Consumers often describe a familiar problem: skin that seems to lose firmness, glow, and smoothness earlier than expected, even with consistent use of serums and creams. Researchers and brands typically group these concerns under “accelerated skin aging” — a pattern where visible aging signs appear or progress faster than a person’s chronological age might suggest. As “epigenetic skincare” grows as a theme across the industry, it has also drawn skepticism, mainly because epigenetics is frequently used as a broad label [more…]

A New Epigenetic Switch for Early Embryonic Development

December 19, 2024 WhatIsEpigenetics

For decades, scientists have been unraveling the intricate mechanisms that govern gene expression. While DNA methylation has long been recognized as a key player in this process, recent discoveries have unveiled a new player: 5-formylcytosine (5fC). This novel epigenetic modification has the potential to reshape our understanding of early development and disease. A team of researchers led by Professor Christof Niehrs at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, has made a groundbreaking discovery. Published in the journal [more…]

Cannabis Use Leaves a Lasting Mark on the Epigenome

October 22, 2024 Natalie Crowley

With the rising prevalence and legalization of cannabis worldwide, understanding its biological impact—especially on mental health—has become increasingly urgent. Research indicates that heavy use of high-potency cannabis significantly heightens the risk of mental health disorders. Factors such as starting at a young age and daily consumption further exacerbate this risk, underscoring the need for greater awareness of the potential consequences of cannabis use. Recent research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the [more…]

Linking the Brain & Heart: How Epigenetics Connects Stroke to Cardiovascular Disease

September 25, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Strokes have long been associated with acute brain injury, but their effects extend far beyond the initial event, influencing long-term health across multiple organs, especially the heart. Emerging research suggests that systemic inflammation following a stroke plays a crucial role in developing chronic comorbidities, such as cardiac dysfunction. A study published in Cell has shed light on a surprising connection between brain injury from a stroke and heart health. Researchers have discovered that specific immune cells, known as myeloid cells, [more…]

Chronic Hepatitis C Leaves Lasting Epigenetic Scars

August 13, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Hepatitis C is a silent yet formidable liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike its acute form, which often resolves on its own, chronic hepatitis C persists, potentially leading to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and cancer. While groundbreaking advancements in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments have revolutionized HCV management, achieving high cure rates, the battle isn’t entirely won. Emerging research indicates that the virus leaves a lasting imprint on the immune system, even after successful treatment. In [more…]

Synergistic Epigenetic Medications Show Promise in Colorectal Cancer and Beyond

July 12, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, presenting a multifaceted challenge influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in treatment, there remains a pressing need for innovative therapies, particularly as cases rise among younger adults and at advanced disease stages. One promising approach lies in epigenetics, the study of chemical modifications on DNA and its packaging proteins that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Cancer cells often display [more…]

Epigenetic Insights for Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease

June 19, 2024 Natalie Crowley

The recent FDA approval of Donanemab has sparked celebration within the Alzheimer’s research community, offering significant hope by slowing cognitive decline in some patients. However, it is clear to scientists that Donanemab is not a cure, and the quest to truly halt or reverse Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains ongoing. Donanemab works by targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark protein buildup in AD’s pathology. While clearing these plaques marks a critical step, it may not address the root cause of [more…]

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