Getting Cheeky with Buccal Collection Methods: The Swab vs. Saliva Cellular Heterogeneity ShowdownJuly 23, 2021There’s nothing tongue in cheek when it comes to the consideration of buccal cell heterogeneity in sample collections methods. Although buccal epithelial cells are the target given their relationship with the brain DNA methylome, immune cells come along for the ride. As the lab of Jeffery Craig (Deakin University, Australia) has previously shown, buccal epithelial cell sample collection […]
An Oliver’s Twist on an Old Tale: Orphan CpGs Will Have You Asking for MoreJuly 17, 2021Move over Oliver Twist, there’s a new orphan in town to satisfy our hunger for stories of DNA methylation. Two new tales of orphan CpGs help them find a home in our hearts and epigenomes through the application of cutting-edge epigenomics techniques and genetic engineering to embryonic stem cells and neuronal cells. Making the Right Connections: […]
It’s Nature versus Nurture in an Epigenetic Rejuvenation Face-off!July 15, 2021The age-old battle of nature versus nurture has entered new frontiers with two exciting studies exploring different mechanisms that drive “epigenetic rejuvenation” – also known as the science of how our old and creaky DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks can be wound back into a frolicking and fancy-free state. Together, these studies demonstrate the two faces […]
Environmental Fountain of Youth: Enrichment Prevents Aging-Induced DNA Methylation ChangesJuly 15, 2021A restricted diet, regular exercise at the gym, not drinking too much… Acts of deprivation and suffering are supposed to guide us on our quest to the foundation of youth. Thankfully, exciting new epigenetic findings show us that it’s time to learn a lesson from the hedonists by demonstrating how environmental enrichment protects us from […]
A Fishy Tale of Intergenerational Epigenetic Inheritance of DNA Methylation in a Foul EnvironmentJuly 5, 2021Although the impact of toxic exposure on our epigenome can leave a bad taste, a recent study into hydrogen sulfide transcends the senses by hitting the smell category too. Building on their previous fishy tale of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, the lab of Michael K. Skinner (Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA) recently explored a new species […]
