Social Connections Influence Our Genes

Scientists are discovering that the environment plays a powerful role in biology, including influencing gene expression. For example, researchers found that social circumstances influenced gene expression in cancer cells. More than 220 genes were turned on in the cancer cells of women with low levels of social support and high levels of depression. These genes were not active in women with good social support. Some of the genes that were turned on were associated with higher rates of cancer spreading from one organ to another. These and other studies are showing that at a molecular level, social and emotional factors relate to physical health. These scientists are studying "the psychology of cells" and proving that genes and the environment are linked. Your genetic capacity can be compared to a sandbox of possibilities, but what kind of castle you build depends upon your experiences.