What is Epigenetics?

Why your DNA is not your destiny. Molecular biologist Nessa Carey presents an introduction to epigenetics and explains how it shapes life.

DNA is a vitally important starting point for life, but it's how it's used by cells and organisms that is really important. Epigenetics is a rapidly moving field that has transformed our understanding of how one set of genes can create the masterpiece that is each of us. It's also leading scientists into unexpected and exciting areas such as new ways to treat disease, understand drug addiction or unravel the lifelong consequences of early childhood trauma.

Nessa Carey is a geneticist and author of The Epigenetics Revolution. She has a degree in Immunology, PhD in Virology, was a post-doctoral researcher in Human Genetics, and a senior lecturer at Imperial College London in Molecular Biology. She's also spent 10 years in the biotechnology industry and now works in the pharmaceutical sector.