Is it true that like father, like son? Why is this so?

The past lives and present lives we often talk about may really have their origins, because now a US research team has found that animals' reactions to certain events can be inherited for several generations! So is it true that like father, like son? Why is this so?

Why like father, like son

My ancestors hated it, so I hate it too.

According to reports, a US research team has found that an organism's experience with a certain smell or event will leave traces in its genes, and such experience will be passed down through genes to future generations! In other words, when children develop the same habits and hobbies as their parents, or grandparents, it is actually the magic of genes.

The research team of Emory University School of Medicine in the United States first observed this amazing phenomenon through animal experiments. In the experiment, the researchers trained the test mice to avoid certain smells. The results showed that the mice would pass on their disgust reaction to certain smells to their grandchildren. Experts believe that such research is very important for related fields such as phobias and anxiety disorders. Prof Marcus Pembrey of the London Academy talked about the high correlation between this research and symptoms such as phobias, anxiety disorders and trauma syndromes, and provided convincing evidence that memories can be passed down between generations.

I haven't seen it but I hate it from the bottom of my heart

During the experiment, the researchers first trained the first generation of mice to avoid specific smells, and then observed the state of the sperm of these mice. The results showed that when a part of the DNA on the sperm encountered the cherry blossom smell that the first generation of mice avoided, the sensitive area of ​​the DNA showed significant activity. In addition, both the second and third generation mice, although they had never touched cherry blossoms since birth, became very sensitive to the smell of cherry blossoms and would subconsciously avoid these scents. The odor aversion method used in the experiment was used by the researchers to observe whether the DNA on the sperm was affected by the smell in the blood or changed because of the brain's command.

Decided before birth

Experts have found evidence from animal experiments that human behavior can be changed by events that occurred in previous generations. According to scholars' research, the experience of parents, even events that occurred before pregnancy, will affect the structure and function of the nervous system of the next generation. This study provides an example of "transgenerational inheritance" in epigenetics. In other words, people can be affected by the environment. Genes will also be passed down from generation to generation. Professor Brian Dias, who is in the study, said in an interview that this can explain why specific genes of ancestors appear in future generations. The events encountered by sperm or eggs will undoubtedly be passed on to the next generation, said Professor Dias.

A legacy from generations ago

In addition to knowing that biological memory can be passed on between generations, this research also provides more understanding in the field of public health. Because the experiment shows that after animals experience harm, these experiences will be left in the DNA carried by sperm, and thus will change the brain activity and behavior of the next generation. Professor Pembrey of the London College said that it is time for public health experts to take into account the cross-generational response of humans... If we don't take multi-generational factors into consideration, I doubt we will ever understand neuropsychiatric diseases, morbid obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.