FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE

EMBARGOED: Genetics and social sciences explored in American Journal of Public Health supplement

EMBARGOED UNTIL August 8, 2013, 4 p.m. (EDT)

Newswise The American Journal of Public Health, for the first time, will explore the link between social sciences and genetics in its October supplemental issue, embargoed until Aug. 8. Through new research, editorials and commentaries, the issue highlights the impact of investigating this field in public health.

This research direction has the promise of increasing our understanding of both why certain environments affect some people but not others and the functioning of specific genes in determining important health phenotypes, explain Jason M. Fletcher, PhD and Dalton Conley, PhD, authors of one of the issues analytic essays about gene-environment interaction research.

Topics covered in the issue range from behavioral and social risks to research design to social environments and genetics. Specifically, papers address a social sciences and genetics approach to understanding adolescent development, drug use, mental health, sex and gender and many other topics.

Highlights from this American Journal of Public Health issue include:

Chromosome component in children impacted by prenatal smoke exposure Twins examined to investigate role of genetics in link between socio-economic status and depression

Chromosome component in children impacted by prenatal smoke exposure A new study from the American Journal of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke can impact parts of chromosomes in children. Researchers investigated telomere length, a repetitive DNA sequence located at the ends of chromosomes that stabilizes the chromosome. Telomeres are a part of chromosomes that have been identified as a biomarker of cellular aging. After reviewing results from more than 100 New Orleans children aged 4 to 14, researchers found that telomere length was shorter among children who were exposed to smoke during pregnancy. Short telomere length has been associated with negative health outcomes.

Stress exposure, both environmental and psychosocial, during prenatal life may result in biological changes that alter developmental trajectories and may alter lifelong health trajectories. Identifying the earliest developmental time points for prevention and intervention is challenging but critical if we expect to improve health outcomes, the studys authors conclude.

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Genetics and Social Sciences Explored in American Journal of Public Health Supplement

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