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epigenetics

Epigenetics study helps focus search for autism risk factors

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane Office of Research SPOKANE, Wash. – Scientists have long tried to pin down the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Recent studies have expanded the search for genetic links from identifying genes toward epigenetics, the study of factors that control gene expression and looks at chemical modifications of DNA and […]

Study: Environmental epigenetics affects disease, evolution

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers say environmental factors are having an underappreciated effect on the course of disease and evolution by prompting genetic mutations through epigenetics, a process by which genes are turned on and off independent of an organism’s DNA sequence.

Research finds female descendants susceptible to stress

PULLMAN, Wash. – A new study by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Washington State University shows that male and female rats are affected differently by ancestral exposure to a common fungicide, vinclozolin. Female rats whose great-grandparents were exposed become much more vulnerable to stress.