To save you the trouble the most relevant language from the below cited article is
"While scientists don't yet know exactly how epigenetic regulation affects memory, the theory is that certain triggers, such as exercise, visual stimulation, or drugs, unwind DNA, allowing expression of genes involved in neural plasticity. That increase in gene expression might trigger development of new neural connections and, in turn, strengthen the neural circuits that underlie memory formation. "Maybe our brains are using these epigenetic mechanisms to allow us to learn and remember things, or to provide sufficient plasticity to allow us to learn and adapt," says John Satterlee <http://www.nida.nih.gov/about/organization/genetics/contacts/index.html> , program director of epigenetics at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in Bethesda, MD. "We have solid evidence that HDAC inhibitors massively promote growth of dendrites and increase synaptogenesis [the creation of connections between neurons]," says Tsai. The process may boost memory or allow mice to regain access to lost memories by rewiring or repairing damaged neural circuits. "We believe the memory trace is still there, but the animal cannot retrieve it due to damage to neural circuits," she adds. " -----Original Message----- From: Ed Porter [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 10:28 AM To: 'agi@v2.listbox.com' Subject: FW: [agi] Lamarck Lives!(?) An article related to how changes in the epigenonme could affect learning and memory (the subject which started this thread a week ago) http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/21801/ ------------------------------------------- agi Archives: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/303/=now RSS Feed: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/rss/303/ Modify Your Subscription: https://www.listbox.com/member/?member_id=8660244&id_secret=123753653-47f84b Powered by Listbox: http://www.listbox.com
