Researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health examined data from families in Norway and Estonia.
They looked at children’s height, BMI, and performance in national school tests around the age of 10. The study was published in Cell Genomics and was reported by News-Medical.
More than DNA
A child’s own DNA remains the most important factor for the traits examined, but the researchers found that the picture is not that simple.
Parents’ genes can help shape the home environment, parenting style, and other aspects of a child’s surroundings.
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This can influence a child’s development even if the child has not inherited the specific genes in question.
The environment plays a role
The study also shows that environmental factors play a significant role in BMI and academic performance.
For this reason, the researchers believe that family circumstances should be taken into account when addressing health and education.
Children’s lives are not shaped solely by the genes they inherit themselves.
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According to the study, parents’ non-inherited genes can also leave a measurable and lasting impact on their children’s lives.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.