epigenetics

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer PULLMAN, Wash. – A Washington State University researcher has documented epigenetic changes in the sperm of men who underwent chemotherapy in their teens.

From the American Association for the Advancement of Science PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University biologist Michael Skinner isn’t one to shy away from a good fight. In fact, prominently displayed on his webpage are the words: “If you are not doing something controversial, you are not doing something important.”

PULLMAN, Wash. – Michael Skinner has been selected to give the 2016 Distinguished Faculty Address as part of the annual Showcase celebration.

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers say environmental factors are having an underappreciated effect on the course of disease and evolution by prompting genetic mutations through epigenetics, a process by which genes are turned on and off independent of an organism’s DNA sequence.

PULLMAN, Wash. – A new study in PLOS ONE shows for the first time that epigenetic marks on DNA can be detected in a large number of ancient human remains. This could improve understanding about the effects of famine and disease in the ancient world.

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University scientist Michael K. Skinner is editor-in-chief of a new open-access journal from Oxford University Press (OUP), Environmental Epigenetics.

PULLMAN, Wash. – A new study by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Washington State University shows that male and female rats are affected differently by ancestral exposure to a common fungicide, vinclozolin. Female rats whose great-grandparents were exposed become much more vulnerable to stress.

By Becky Phillips, University Communications PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers say ancestral exposures to the pesticide methoxychlor may lead to adult onset kidney disease, ovarian disease and obesity in future generations.

By Jared Brickman, Honors College PULLMAN, Wash. – Your grandmother has some explaining to do. What she was exposed to during pregnancy could make you more susceptible to disease, and you’re going to pass that on to your grandchildren as well.

By Joanna Steward, College of Arts and Sciences WASHINGTON – A simple mistake during an experiment into endocrine disruptors – chemicals known to interfere with fetal development – dramatically changed the direction of inquiry for one Washington State University researcher and led him to challenge the core biological principals of genetic inheritance.