Epigenetics: Passing the effects (Introduction)

by dhw, Tuesday, February 03, 2015, 21:13 (3582 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: More research in C. elegans finds epigenetic effects can pass through 25 generations when double stranded RNA (dsRNA) acts on the germ cells: -http://phys.org/news/2015-02-mechanism-inheritance-advance-evolution-disease.html
 
QUOTE: "'This mechanism gives an animal a tool to evolve much faster," Jose said. "We still need to figure out whether this tool is actually used in this way, but it is at least possible. If animals use this RNA transport to adapt, it would mean a new understanding of how evolution happens.'"-This would clearly bring us one step closer to the autonomous inventive mechanism which I have suggested drives evolution. Under “New ancient fossils” (many thanks again for all these highly educational articles) we learn about very early multicellular organisms big enough to be seen by the naked eye. The authors link this development with an increase in oxygen (a factor which some researchers also link to the Cambrian Explosion). No doubt you will see this as another piece of your God's preprogramming, passed on by the first cells, but I can't help feeling it fits in perfectly with the concept of cells themselves experimenting as the environment offers new opportunities.