In this blog, I would like to draw the attention of our site visitors to some scientific breakthroughs in genetics - made in the past 5 years.
Visitors might read with disbelief that new science shows that what we were taught about genetics is wrong. However, what is more frustrating is that the media and the public are yet to catch up with this new science.
The concept of genetics is very important because we think that how we made is all due to genetics. This is based on old science which is characterised by a number of flaws and misunderstandings.
In reality, genetics only plays a small part, as the new science shows.
From the moment of conception, the environment interacts with our genes to create what we are. Everything around us modifies us! What we are is not the direct results of our genes, but it is the interaction of the genes with the environment we live in.
Mendel's experiment and the old static deterministic model
In the mid of the Nineteenth century, Mendel proved the existence of genes in his famous pea plants experiment,which involved 28,000 plants. From this experiment, scientists concluded that genes, which store information for the production of proteins, are hereditary and dictate who we are.
In recent years, on the other hand, scientists have brought forward evidence that shows that this is not the correct understanding of how genes work. Indeed, some leading scientists suggest that the slate should be wiped clean.
The old deterministic and static model that says that genes have pre-designed instructions that exactly determine the formation of traits is no longer valid.
The new dynamic development model
The new evidence shows that human beings are constantly developing. Right from the moment of conception until the moment of death, they have the ability to adapt and change in response to the changes in environment they live in. (This concept is known as phenotypic plasticity). It shows that human beings are work in progress, as they do not inherit traits directly from genes. The traits that characterises us are the results of complex dynamic interactions between genes and the environment.
Such a dynamic development, which characterises human biology, could not have been detected by the type of experiments conducted by Mendel. Dynamic development is one of the greatest discovery of the Twentieth century, which is already been put across by many scientists but not clearly understood by the public and media.
What are the key messages?
A gene does not produce always the same result, because a gene does not function autonomously. DNA interacts with other genes and the environment.
If, when & what a particular stretch of DNA produces depends on a many stimuli such as nutrition, hormones, input from our sensory organs, environmental toxins and other genes, etc.
The formation of traits - from the colour of the eyes and hair to intelligence - is rarely dictated exactly by a particular gene.
In addition to genes - which generally do not change from one generation to another - parents pass on epigenetic material, which guides how genes express themselves, and can change from one generation to another as recently discovered.
Furthermore, genes do not code for the nervous system or particular behaviour patterns.
Yoga transformation
This is why yoga can help because it modifies us. Yoga teaches us to pay attention, it teaches that we have a choice. Through yoga practices - like physical, breathing, relaxation, visualisation and meditative exercises, vegetarianism and philosophical principles - we can change our level of discipline, perseverance, fitness and health; our response to stress; how we move and breathe; what we eat; what we believe, think and say; where we live; what jobs we do; what actions we take; etc.
Hopefully, this blog has contributed to understanding that we are not doomed; that we are not build for mediocrity; that we are not passive witnesses.
Everything around us matters, because life itself interacts with our genes. Everything helps to shape us and we help to shape everything around us.
So let’s pay attention to what is happening in our life. Let’s make positive life-long changes - such as getting started with yoga - that improve our lifestyle and the 'environment' that we come in contact with.
References:
Shenk David. The Genius in all of us. Icon Books, 2010
Ridley Matt. Nature via Nurture. HarperCollins, 2003
Pigluicci Massimo. Phenotypic Plasticity. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001
Patrick Bateson, Paul Martin. Design for a life. 2001
Top of Page - Click to move on this page
Return to Beginning Yoga Home page - Click to leave this page
