Memory is also passed down through generations

Animal studies show that the behavior of an individual can be influenced by events that occurred in previous generations and passed down through a form of genetic memory.

Experiments in animals revealed, a distressing incident can affect DNA in sperm as well as eggs and alter the brains and behavior of later generations.

According to Nature Neuroscience, researchers from Emory University Medical School (USA) trained mice to fear a scent similar to that of cherry blossoms. They then looked at what happened inside the sperm in these experimental animals.

The team found that part of the DNA responsible for sensitivity to the smell of activated cherry blossoms was more active in the sperm of mice. Later, both the children and grandchildren of these early mice were extremely sensitive to cherry blossoms and avoided contact with the scent, even though they had never experienced it in their lives.

The researchers also discovered changes in the brain structure of the offspring of the offspring. They concluded: "The experiences of the parents, even before conception, clearly influence both the structure and function in the nervous system of the next generation."

The discovery provides evidence of "epigenetic inheritance through generations" - a function of the fact that the environment can affect genetic traits, which can be passed down to offspring. , grandchild of an individual.

Dr. Brian Dias, a member of the research team, added that this could be a mechanism in which the descendants exhibited a profound influence from their ancestors. In an experiment in mice, Mr. Dias and his colleagues identified, part of the scent has penetrated into the blood, affecting sperm production of the original rats or a signal from the brain that was sent. to their sperm to change and make DNA "hate" the smell.

The team claims that their discovery could be an important base for other studies of obsessions and anxiety.