Science and Discovery

Epigenetic Inheritance

2 articles

Editorial illustration for How Environment Leaves a Heritable Mark: The Three Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance
Life & Biology

How Environment Leaves a Heritable Mark: The Three Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance

Epigenetic inheritance transmits changes in gene expression across generations without altering the DNA sequence itself. Environmental factors leave molecular marks on DNA, mediated by mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, influencing descendants' traits.

David Grossman·November 9, 2026
The tree of life interwoven with DNA strands and fossil records, symbolizing the evolution of evolutionary theory and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis.
Life & Biology

What Is the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis? A Guide to the Debate Reshaping Evolutionary Biology

The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) proposes a framework to augment the traditional Modern Synthesis, incorporating concepts like epigenetic inheritance and niche construction. The debate centers on whether this represents an expansion or a paradigm shift in evolutionary biology.

David Grossman·July 10, 2026