Epigenetics and the influence of our genes | Courtney Griffins | TEDxOU

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED conferences.
Because we want to understand what genes are required for blood vessel development, Courtney Griffin studies certain enzymes that help turn genes on and off. These enzymes are specifically involved in relaxing DNA that is normally tightly coiled up in our cells.

[@09vitec]

Epigenetics. Your genes are not set in stone. You don't have to live with the fact that just because your parents or grandparents were unhealthy doesn't mean you have no other choice but to be unhealthy also. You can change particular genes in your body just by eating the right foods and getting rid of the toxic bad habits, of any kind, and reprogramming your cells to make your body much healthier and stronger. By also applying an exercise routine that will decrease stress is also key to fixing your genes. Epigenetics is a new science that is telling us that we can take control of our bodies destiny and make it so healthy that our longevity will stamp out diseases and we can live a happier, healthier, more rewarding long life. If you have never heard about epigenetics, you really should get your knowledge on about these wonderfully new ground breaking science. The facts are clear and we truly do have control over how our lives are lived.

[@kimora7964]

exactly!

[@kayjensen6260]

Sherrie Vitello b Scooby Scooby Dooby Doo please

[@iSonikYT]

Wrong. You cant change your genes. You can, just sometimes change the expression of your genes! Often Epigenetic factors like DNA-Methylations are even not reversible

[@brainhax6758]

can certain athletic properties or abilities be manipulated by epigenetics i.e. continuous practice of certain ability, these things kinda demotivate me

[@LineKernel]

actually since 2012 CRISPR - CAT9 we can

[@vinnienauta]

This is AMAZING!! GREAT INFORMATION! what blew my mind was 50 trillion cells in a human body, each cell having a strand of 6 feet of DNA in each cell, and each of DNA are fit into this 400000 times small than a cell in a nucleus cell! WOW!! that is what blew my mind! I'm happy to learn this!

[@mariarichter6240]

Thank you, I now understand epigenetics better than reading my book for my class . Very well explained.

[@marktwain368]

This is the most extraordinary discovery since DNA itself (c.1953). It explains so much that we did not realize about human functioning and dysfunction. This lady is a wonderful teacher.

[@bluejean4444]

A reason for hope. Generational curses don't always have to be passed on to the third and fourth generation.

[@donandvickitwiford9349]

Hope is right! The wonderful thing is that we can "repent" (change our ways) to break the curses passed on. While the sins of the father may be passed to the next generation, the next generation can change their ways and break that curse. How wonderful!

[@davidbrewer7937]

Very interesting indeed. I was actually looking for a new hobby so now I might take up DIY genetic manipulation on myself!

[@jessicaebert3385]

Dfh

[@logicallyfallacious4151]

Dfh

[@atlas3732]

I've been slightly obsessed with it, over the last month or so

[@dariustanz7603]

@@atlas3732 what have u learned ?

[@misterrandom4485]

such a great way to present fairly complex concepts, loved the way she did the pauses between sentences, words, and also how the powerpoint was short and spot on on the stuff that is greatly helped by images. Not to say about the subject, GREAT talk

[@slimanelamia3225]

Totally agree with you

[@davomccranko]

"It turns out..." Ted speakers favourite phrase.

[@howardmorgan4196]

yes it is - but it acknowleges that science is an ever developing subject, so what was understood/misunderstood in one way, has morphed into something else as work has been done. For me, it is welcome, highlighting the increasing , better, undertanding of the problem

[@Lucas_Simoni]

[Begins talk with a personal story]

[@Randomiz500]

I think it was a lack of kale.

[@JondiWhitis]

I liked this. My favorite for accessibility on the same subject is Dr Bruce Lipton's book, The Biology of Belief. I believe this whole field will explode our possibilities and the way we think about our environment, physical, emotional, mental. Epigenetics goes a long way towards explaining how Energy Psychology and EFT work so well, documented in the 60+ peer-reviewed published studies. Challenging our convictions is what science is supposed to be all about, and I'm delighted with Courtney Griffins' presentation that paves the way for a better understanding of who we are and how we're impacted, and what we can do with that information.

[@sirblankenship]

Growing up in an abusive household this gives a lot of hope for me and my child wish :)

[@akrcda]

Excellent speaker who made the concepts quite accessible. I’m very interested to learn more about this emerging field while also inspired to go back and learn the fundamentals of DNA, genetics and organic chemistry to better understand the topic.

[@guillermodehollander]

Absolutely beautifully presented and explained. I actually think I understood most of what Courtney said. Beautifully composed sentences, very pleasant voice. No extraneous words. I loved it! 💐🌿🌹🌿💐

[@medichain]

This is a very helpful and clarifying TED talk about epigenetics. I really admire the way you teaches us.Thank you!

[@RainMakersGroup]

What a beautiful person. Great TED talk!!!!

[@JW-rm3ci]

She's speaks so gracefully...

[@cbysmith]

Great talk! Thank u for posting and for Dr. Griffin, for making it such an easy entry into understanding a little about this pretty amazing topic.

[@michaelwilkins7058]

This is great information that people need to know regarding the healthy birth of children. We can influence the outcome of a birth by changing our habits before conceiving.Great evidence for a plant based lifestyle.

[@scarlettrose4412]

Incredible TED talk! You've really done a great job explaining this clearly

[@funmik]

Beautiful teaching, Courtney, broke down the concept of Epigenetics. We can change our Longterm health by treating our epigenome kindly through healthy lifestyle decisions.

[@lisamcclendon3943]

This was so powerful! It reminds me of how much power we have to change.

[@woillusion123]

A remarkable good presentation about the backround of epigenetics! Great thanks for sharing.

[@NepalSadikshya]

this is probably the most informative ted talk for me that i've ever come across. greatly told

[@spinalcrackerdc]

17:16 "There are things that we can do now to positively influence our epigenome. It's not too late to start eating healthier foods, foods that we already know are good for us, like leafy vegetables and whole grains. Avoiding cigarettes, cocaine and stress."

[@dominikawojewska3985]

take everything, but not cocaine! xD

[@MatheoGalatis]

I love this topic! We are not doomed by our genetic heritage. They provide the perfect conditions for us to grow and live our greatest potential. Additional to the creation of medicines that can support gene heritage are a number of psychotherapeutic methods that can heal genetic expressions inherited from our ancestors.

[@butchmatthews6373]

How many still rely on the necessary foods of mortals

[@antoniomarin8973]

This is one of the most amazing lectures of Epigenetics. Ummm, now I can understand that is now everything is lost. Means if our parents had bad habits, as not eating healthy and another things against our bodies, we can change and be healthy...

[@hermelanin4214]

Awesome presentation. touched on some very important aspects. Learnt a lot. Thank you!

[@robertw2930]

love the fact she said ,"unaffected". Instead of "normal"

[@thomasmaddox5638]

An excellent summary with life changing advice! Thank you.

[@auto-did-act]

Exquisitely explained! Thank you for this!

[@arash4712]

Explained such complex but sweet subject in a simple and interesting way. Thank you.

[@HolgerLenzS]

Fascinating talk! The part on how our parents/grandparents habits shaped our genes reminded me of Exodus 20:5: "Bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation."

[@atkgrl]

Holger Lenz I was thinking the same thing. Have they checked how many generations of impact adjustments make or even what adjustments they suggest and which are all still unproven have what outcome.

[@garysweeten5196]

A wonderful talk. So much good information in a short time. I found that prayer can impact Epigenetics as well.

[@trustdiya1909]

You are on the next level mate! And it is so true.

[@RickMonsour09]

I am not a geneticist but Dr Courtney makes a great case that demonstrate the effects of lifestyle and personal choices and the outcome of how well we live. It makes sense that our choices will affect our genetic destiny either + or -. There have been lots of examples of genetically identical twins who have made different life style choices and the affects on how they age. This also has been recorded with gene chip analysis which is state of the art technology in measuring objectively how our genes our affected by lifestyle choices. So I don't think what she is saying is mere speculation.

[@trulynoshin]

Thank you so much for this! This truly is profound for me!

[@philtrem]

One of my favorite talks to date.

[@viyoddha8840]

Great information. To change our bad habits we need to control our mind by performing regular exercises, pranayam, yoga and Meditation which can transform our body cells and thoughts

[@DJK-cq2uy]

???

[@nsingh7]

Such a brilliant talk! Thanks.

[@fionamacleod30]

What a wonderful ted talk. Thank you Courtney!

[@arash4712]

I have listened to this presentation, and each time l learn more. Thank you so much. I am better informed.

[@VanessaSanderPsicologa]

Muito bom!! Grata por compartilhar seu conhecimento

[@adamkunzun]

I PERSONALLY AM VERY GREATEFULL TO YOU FOR THIS VIDEO IN WHICH YOU HAVE GIVEN SPECIFIC IMPORTANCE FOR EPIGENOME WHICH BUSTED THE OLD MYTH THAT GENES ARE STATIC MACHINES WHICH ARE NOT INFLUENCED BY EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING FOOD AND MENTAL STRESS LEVEL OF ANY SPECIES.👍

[@robinhood078]

Great speech, Mrs. Griffin. I loved it and I learnt so much. Thank you!

[@joaquinmisajr.1215]

Very informative, well articulated,.... and with a touch of humor, too. Kudos!

[@mansu2407]

Best 19 minutes i have spent on my life, hopefully modern medicine can produce such medications based on these theories plus the importance of life style and diet among people so raising awareness is also playing part to fight or prevention of cancer 🙏🙏🙏

[@TheDesignerfly]

I was surprised to hear she promoted grain without mentioning the potential epigenenetic effects of synthetic folic acid on our methylation.

[@sunnymadher]

Extremely well explained!

[@streettalk4thesoul]

thank you for putting this in such a way that us "regular" people could easily follow. very much appreciated!

[@kimberley1235]

I have already watched this recently, however, now it has been cited in a course I am taking. Anyone here from the biological psychology course?

[@wiamadeagbo3626]

i also came to watch this from the course

[@siobhanlee6747]

Helpful and well-explained presentation! Thank you :D

[@dr.dmitry.sokolov]

Thank you and Courtney Griffin for the wonderful video! One question (and I must apologize in advance - I am in no way any expert in the area, just have read this and that): it is mentioned in the video at 7:20, that there are "not so many" epigenetic marks on the genome in the beginning, and that they begin to appear later in development, as the cells start to divide and receive signals from outside. However, what I have read elsewhere, says the oppozite: the zygote - as the ultimate "stem cell" - has most of its genome silenced and genes non-transcribed. And it is early in the blastocyst stage that some of these epigenetic marks (particularly methylgroups) are removed from DNA and acetylgroups added to histones, thus beginning to "lead" the cell towards a certain genetic/developmental trail. I have read, that in mice silent genomen becomes not-fully-silent around mid-1-cell stage, although more transcription begins at 2-cell stage. Not sure if it is different in humans. Will appreciate the explanation.

[@khamikos1]

perfect presentation.thanks

[@LifeSciencebyJuhiThakur]

One of the most knowledgeable video that I haven't see before this

[@Teksunai]

Thank you for posting this, individual! I have an interest in epigenetics, and having a link to further my knowledge in it is greatly appreciated! =)

[@AinaSakeenah]

Such a great talk. Thanks!

[@alecrisser12]

This is great mental exercise; like many TED Talks

[@TheShamwari]

I first studied genetics in 1955 so things have moved on a great deal since then!!!

[@khamikos1]

you are unique. thanks for the presentation

[@shannonwilliams2769]

This talk does a great job of discussing the complexities of the relationship between our genes and the environment, particularly through epigenetics. While this discussion is important in and of itself, it also raises important ethical concerns about genetic enhancement and technological affordability, which has the potential to exacerbate already existing inequalities, disparities, and discrimination. One of the major concerns around genetic enhancement technologies is accessibility. If only the wealthy have access to these technologies, it will create a divide between those who have access to enhanced genetic traits and those who do not, leading to social and economic inequality. There is also a risk that these technologies could be used to perpetuate harmful biases, such as racism, sexism, and ableism.

[@russo_tv9386]

vídeo maravilhoso!! a explicação impecável ❤

[@macmarty2025]

Very informative and interesting talk. Thank you.

[@Jervns]

Great presentation, I was on board until around 15:01 - Teacher's we should be following should be teaching us how to properly prepare the foods we eat and that the life style choices we make (the types of thoughts we think) will determine our physical experience. I have no problem with her description of how gene's express themselves, It just seems intuitive to me, that our science - as good as it is, is still learning to crawl - and this is Huge.

[@sameeahmuhammad8439]

Thank you. I agree. Also her point at 1:39 about criminal tendencies being more genetically based is a long standing debate that hasn’t been settled yet. NYT published an article a year before her talk saying as much. Many scientists and statisticians say that the sample size of even the largest study about the heritability of criminal tendencies is still too small to fully see the role of genes in this issue. Also the term crime is so vague.. does she mean tax evasion too or just street crime? From what I’ve read it’s more about anti social behavior being linked to certain hormones. That part of her talk seemed off to me

[@rolypolygenie6273]

@@sameeahmuhammad8439 totally agree, im glad someone else noticed

[@r.muller8289]

Just 6 minutes in and she explained more than my college professor ever did in a 50 min class... dang

[@jonathandesmondtutu2510]

It’s worth sharing. I can’t imagine what I had heard from this video

[@MB-ng9qo]

Hands down, best tedx video ever !

[@naveed887]

Interesting,summarized it beautifully.

[@renukadevigarla1859]

Amazing talk! Well explained!

[@debbie6533]

Excellent! I believe its all true as i have asthma and i started a raw plant based diet and it is already helping my asthma. My plan is to stick with it and journal my findings. It has also cut down my meds 40 percent so far. I understand asthma is a chronic disease but i also believe there is a lot you can do to manage it and help yourself. Most of all i dont miss the sweets, processed foods or junk food❤

[@guardianoftruth1468]

Great talk and now I have another passion to study epigenetics! Thank you 😊💓

[@bintdubaiuae]

very simple and scintific in the same time : ) bravoooooooooooooooooooooo

[@shirleya-z794]

The thing is no identical twins have identical environments, and there is no way to know how the smallest of differences could or could not impact on personality. This is the inherent flaw in all twin studies, the assumption that twins raised together can be treated as though they have been raised in an identical environment. Her pie chart would have made more sense if it were presented as a venn diagram with epigenetics the area where nature and nurture overlap rather than being separate from nature and nurture.

[@umbutlikeya6436]

shirley A-z well contrary to your belief it's been proven. Environmentally enduced epigenetics are part of the reason why identical twins can grow up to have very different luves. As twins get older there, epigenomes diverge affecting the way age and there susceptibility to disease. You missed the whole theory on how over time the environmental experience play a role here. This can be applied to not just twin. You as person can affect your future generations by lifestyle decisions you make now. For example smoking or any stress you react to now. Can come up in future generations decades from now. Depending on what you did, are you quick to panic? Then most likely your grand children will be also. In order to grasp what she explain you need to understand epigenetic changes. Watch the video titles What is epigenetic by Carlos Guerrero

[@rashadhaque5636]

Also, I know identical twins where one is right-handed and the other is left-handed

[@jordancox8294]

That's why the tests are done with twins who have been separated since birth.

[@khamikos1]

thank you, you are great

[@aminkeykha5546]

nice and new field , excellent presentation

[@hasanchoudhury5401]

Most helpful educational video on epigenetic. Thanks. Regards.

[@andrews7414]

crazy how much farther this field has come since 2012

[@aaronzarateu5687]

Reminding about being good cells !!!! Love it!!!!

[@danieldahdah7431]

That was a great talk. I hope your twins (now 21) are well and all your whole family. Food for thought. Symptoms are the manifestation of faulty cellular processes and are often indicators of more sinister pathology. For example, constipation -- > colon cancer, migraine -- > stroke, irregular cycles -- > ovarian cancer. Faulty cellular processes, which this lovely presenter has said, are a function of the epigenome's 'on' or 'off' activity. What is important here is this: If a person, and not a drug, can control ( 'on' or 'off' on command) his or her symptoms, they have a window into the microcellular system without the expense associated with precision medicine. Do such systems exist? Yes. And more are on the way. If so, it disproves that much of the epigenetic instructions occur during embryonic development. How do we prove such a system exists? By demonstrating voluntary control individuals have to turn symptoms on and off . Whilst this was never an assumption in the video, using medications for microcellular control is one form of epigenetic medicine.

[@Sgenius1]

I have always thought that my ideas were unrealistic when I wrote to different Professors telling them that Cancer and other debilitating diseases can be reversed. All we needed was to find the control switch. Now I feel I am in good company. In the Geneticist's term: "reminding the cells/tissues of what they should be doing". Nice. AD has hope. For moi, I now need to concentrate on how to transplant a brain (autotransplant).

[@scarred10]

your ideas are nonsense,not to mention totally oversimplistic , at the moment.We are decades away from such a solution.Why would you write to experts with such ignorant rubbish.

[@elizabethfreer1948]

A subject that fascinates! as one of four adopted children all very different in many ways..however the “attachment theory” influences the potential for biases that draws attention to the overriding concept that attachment has to be integrated with nurture and then ifof course nature which is imbedded in our genes..these integrated issues affect who we are..

[@playsavedthechild.2848]

I played an Atistic child to better health. What ever it was... exposure to nature, contextual emotions... increased happiness & interest in life ... from play. Or epigenetics... it worked. where people said it could not be. nurture here did play a role, bringing the child to nature... and then... play saved the child.

[@navinebaskerville2350]

Wow, how amazing is Intelligent Design! This I don't think just happened haphazardly. Your study of epigenetics convinces me even more. Thanks.

[@serviciosonline4756]

Que excelente video. Muchas Gracias ☺️

[@briovanmerlin2408]

You are so lucky, ma'am. to prove what you learn in real life situation

[@DavidL999]

Good video, very well explained, thanks!

[@atthehops]

Dr. Courtney Griffin is now an Assistant Member in the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) after receiving her B.A. from Harvard University and her Ph. D. from the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. Dr. Griffin studies certain enzymes that help turn genes on and off. These enzymes are specifically involved in relaxing DNA that is normally tightly coiled up in our cells.

[@Happyticcer]

I have to say that talk was pretty EPIC!

[@bladewright5356]

Fantastic job

[@romahanjura4576]

Explained very well

[@kuckian]

I've just linked this to my most recent video about Epigenetics :-) x

[@nehanaqvi7926]

John Kuckian I came here because of your video 😂

[@kuckian]

[@caraalisa]

John Kuckian Doing research project on this and I am happy to see your face in the comments! What a coincidence indeed. About to go watch your epigenetics video again for reference :)

[@ziggybloomfield5077]

♥ I love it! ♥

[@dasein9980]

Lol "Kuckian"

[@kimmi9697]

intelligent woman! amazing and wonderful subject! thank u so much!

[@thebestme4486]

Brilliant vid

[@cindyhalpern3187]

This is very exciting. Instead of destroying Cancer , good cells can be reinstalled or reprogrammed. This makes so much more sense to repair rather than destroy!

[@adamjenkins1399]

The interaction of our genes with our immediate environment (whatever the stage of development) shouldn't be that much of a shock, people. It's good that they can measure this process at a microscopic level, though. And an interesting subject , nonetheless!

[@soniacutie3598]

Awesome information!

[@zoro101000]

THANKS!!

[@dawnemile7499]

Human life is a dangerous undertaking. We need so many protections against harmful elements common in this world.

Impactante!!

[@furqanaayub129]

very well explained

[@butchmatthews6373]

Courtney Griffins excellent video

[@StancyInTheCity]

OK, the very first line of epigenetic defence is lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors are pretty much free and cannot be patented. Because they can’t be patented, researchers aren’t talking about it. There’s no money in it. 1) a vegan diet, the branch chain amino acids in animal products stimulate MTor add also contain growth hormones. We don’t want growth in cancer. 2) practice intermittent fasting, having even a 12 hour daily window of not eating decreases your risk of cancer recurrence, it’s been studied. 3) if you can do a prolonged fast, 7+ days. Have it supervised by your physician. Look at the work of Dr. Valter Longo. 4)everything should be organic, especially in the United States. Conventional food is loaded with pesticides, they are carcinogenic, and it’s an easy switch. 5) exercise, it has many biological effects on the human body that contribute to making the body inhospitable to cancer. It lowers, inflammation, combats, obesity, helps regulate hormones. 6) get your weight into the low range of a healthy BMI. Obesity contributes to cancer. Obesity is very inflammatory. 7) meditation, stress, hormones can contribute to cancer. Meditation helps control that. 8) get rid of all unhealthy relationships 9) make sure you have an actual purpose for living. Get a five year plan a 10 year plan, etc. have a future to look forward to. 10) join a community, a positive community. People who are going through what you’re going through where you can openly talk about what is really on your mind without retribution. Not a community of people who are anticipating a horrible death. A community of people who are hopeful and excited for the future. They are all over the place, on Facebook, meet ups, etc.

[@eyemallears2647]

Thank you