Ever since I saw a NOVA program about epigenetics, I’ve been interested about how our environment can change our DNA.
In my latest video with Dr. Mark Clanton, we learn more about epigenetics and how scientists are trying to understand how our genes can change or be damaged based on the exposures that we have during life, such as what we eat, radiation, smoking, etc.
Dr. Clanton also talks about CH3 methyl groups that you can pick up when eating certain types of food and their affect on DNA methylation and our epigenome.
Interview series with Dr. Clanton
This is the third part in my interview series with Dr. Clanton, who is the chief medical officer of the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society and who was the deputy director of the United States National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.
Watch other videos in this interview series:
Dr. Clanton’s talk, “The War on Cancer: 41 Years after Nixon’s Declaration“, was part of the awesome Hot Science – Cool Talks series.
Spring 2013 Hot Science – Cool Talks
Happy new year!
There are some great Hot Science – Cool Talks presentations coming up this spring from the UT Austin Environmental Science Institute:
(1) Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico: The History and Future of the Texas Coast
Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 7:00 p.m. CT
The Gulf of Mexico has seen some of the most destructive hurricanes on record. What can residents in the Gulf region expect future storms to be like? Dr. Kerry A. Emanuel will share his groundbreaking research on how climate change can affect hurricane activity and discuss its implications for the Gulf region.
(2) Environmental Justice: Progress towards Sustainability
Friday, February 22, 2013, 7:00 p.m. CT
Dr. Robert Bullard will present an insightful account of events, individuals, and organizations that have shaped the environmental justice movement over the past two decades. He will also describe a framework for how major advances in environmental justice can and should be achieved.
(3) Diagnosing Ourselves: Biotechnology in Your Back Pocket
Thursday, April 4, 2013, 7:00 p.m. CT
What advances are being made to allow people without medical training to readily detect things like viruses? Can such biotechnology help us understand our own unique physiology? Dr. Andy Ellington will discuss exciting advances in low-cost, personalized diagnostics and the promise of creating virtual clinical trials through social networks to improve healthcare on a global scale.
If you’re not in Austin, Texas, that’s okay. You can also watch a live webcast of the talks from wherever you’re at! 🙂
Your friend,
Ben
Commander Ben 