Expert Alert - It starts in the womb: How your DNA changes as you grow up

Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss how early experiences may affect your health

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

For immediate release -

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Ottawa (November 24, 2011) – Chemicals we're exposed to in the womb, our mom's diet or even traumatic childhood experiences can affect our genes all through our life, and lead to long-term health problems. Epigenetics is this new field of research looking at how environmental factors alter our DNA. New research results are shedding light on many old problems.

CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss epigenetics and comment on some of the clues it offers to improved life-long health.

Experts

Baby fat vs mama fat: how exposure to a mom's diabetes in the womb creates a lifetime risk of obesity and diabetes
Dr. Luigi Bouchard, CIHR-funded researcher (Sherbrooke, Quebec)

Carrying your scars on your genes: how childhood abuse and neglect marks your DNA, creating a higher risk of behavioural problems and suicide
Dr. Gustavo Turecki, CIHR-funded researcher (Montreal, Quebec)

Social programs as gene therapy for kids: starting early for the best results
Dr. Moshe Szyf, CIHR-funded researcher (Montreal, Quebec)

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist
Office: 613-941-4563
Cell: 613-808-7526
Fax: 613-954-6653
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca