Epigenetic Lamarck

Beyond Neo Darwinism: How Epigenetics and HGT Reshape Understanding of Multilevel Selection For decades, neo darwinism reigned as the dominant theory explaining evolution. It focused on natural selection acting on individual organisms and their genes, neatly explaining adaptations and speciation. However, in recent years, cracks have begun to show in this singular view. Complexities like multilevel selection, where evolutionary forces operate on levels above and below the individual, challenge the neo darwinian framework.  Multilevel selection is a concept in evolutionary biology that proposes that selection can occur at multiple levels of organization, not just at the level of the individual organism as with neo darwinism. This means that not only do individual organisms compete for survival and reproduction, but also groups of organisms, such as populations, species, or even ecosystems. In the neo darwinian view natural selection acts on the traits of individual organ...

“These findings can form the basis for understanding the contribution(s) of DNA methylation in providing phenotypic plasticity to BPH.” Unveiling the Hidden Code: Epigenetic Diversity in Brown Planthoppers The rice fields whisper secrets, stories etched not in genes but in a more subtle language – the language of epigenetics. This intriguing realm holds the key to understanding how the brown planthopper (BPH), a notorious rice pest, can display remarkable phenotypic plasticity, adapting to changing seasons and year after year. The article "Epigenetic Diversity Underlying Seasonal and Annual Variations in Brown Planthopper (BPH) Populations as Revealed by Methylation-sensitive Restriction Assay" delves into this fascinating world, uncovering the hidden code that shapes BPH behavior. BPH infestations wreak havoc on rice crops, causing billions of dollars in losses annually. While they may appear identical to the untrained eye, BPH populations collected across sea...

Navigating the Maze of Aging: Epigenetic Age and the Complexities of Frailty With rising life expectancies, our understanding of aging takes on a new dimension. Gone are the days of viewing it as a linear march towards decline. We now recognize the nuanced tapestry of how individuals age, with some seemingly traversing the years with remarkable resilience, while others encounter the challenges of frailty at an accelerated pace. This complex landscape presents a formidable challenge to healthcare systems, demanding innovative tools for early identification and intervention. Enter the intriguing realm of epigenetic age - a measure that promises to unlock the secrets of biological aging beyond mere chronological years. A recent scoping review , entitled " Scoping Review of Clinical Studies Exploring the Association Between Epigenetic Age and Frailty ," (12/23) delves into this promising arena. It sheds light on the potential of epigenetic age to serve as a valuable ...