Isabelle Mansuy’s presentation explored how environmental factors influence genetics and health across generations through epigenetic inheritance. She explained that life experiences—such as trauma, diet, and pollutants—can modify epigenetic factors like DNA methylation, which regulate gene activity and are transmissible across multiple generations. Mansuy illustrated how these changes are not permanent, as epigenetic factors are dynamic and can be reversed under certain conditions. In a conversation with Philip Ursprung, they discussed the philosophical and biological implications of epigenetics, particularly its impact on inherited memory and trauma. Mansuy acknowledged the difficulty of distinguishing between biological and cultural inheritance, emphasizing that both influence human behavior and resilience. They also examined the potential for epigenetic markers to shape future generations' vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities.
"Epigenetics is like the software for our genetic hardware — dynamic, modifiable, and capable of carrying the imprints of life experiences across generations."
— Isabelle Mansuy
