Please Explain: Epigenetics

The new science of epigenetics is changing our understanding of heredity, identity, and disease. On today’s edition of Please Explain, we’ll find out how environmental factors can change the way our genes function, and how the epigenome—which can be seen as the software that tells our DNA how to function—works. We’re joined by Dr. Dana Dolinoy, Searle Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan; and Dr. Randy Jirtle, Professor of Radiation Oncology at Duke University.