Down here at the pawn shop

[LabRat]

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

There have been recent studies showing that our DNA changes in response to stress. ...We need to think of DNA as "a living document" not something cast in stone.

*** de-cloaks***

Yes, this field of study is called epigenetics.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/epigenetics.html :
Program Description
Once nurture seemed clearly distinct from nature. Now it appears that our diets and lifestyles can change the expression of our genes. How? By influencing a network of chemical switches within our cells collectively known as the epigenome. This new understanding may lead us to potent new medical therapies. Epigenetic cancer therapy, for one, already seems to be yielding promising results.

and

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
WHAT IS EPIGENETICS?
The development and maintenance of an organism is orchestrated by a set of chemical reactions that switch parts of the genome off and on at strategic times and locations. Epigenetics is the study of these reactions and the factors that influence them.
EPIGENETICS & THE ENVIRONMENT
The genome dynamically responds to the environment. Stress, diet, behavior, toxins and other factors activate chemical switches that regulate gene expression.

are two good places to start for info if you want to know more.

Sometimes, it really is yo mamma's fault.

***returns to lurker status***