How to understand genetic memory theory
I recently read comedian Magda Szubanski’s Reckoning: A Memoir in which she brings up genetic memory.
In short, she had an inkling she carried some of her Irish ancestors’ memories.
And felt like she had ‘come home’ when visiting Ireland for the first time.
But is genetic memory just a theory or is there more to it?
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Genetic memory definition
During our life we make memories that are ‘recorded’ on the surface of the brain.
However, the key idea behind genetic memory is that memories or associations are already stored in our genetics when we are born.
And this helps a species respond quickly to specific situations.
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Genetic memory examples
Scientists have studied the idea of genetic memory and made some interesting discoveries.
Brian G Dias and Kerry J Ressler published a 2014 paper in Nature Neuroscience: Parental olfactory experience influences behavior and neural structure in subsequent generations.
Basically the report details how mice were conditioned to fear a specific smell and associate it with pain.
Their offspring, not exposed to the smell, were also afraid.
And so too were the next generation of mice.
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How does it work?
While scientists might be able to ‘prove’ memory can be inherited the big question is how.
“The overwhelming response has been ‘Wow! But how the hell is it happening?'” says study co-author Dias in an article on Nature website.
However, scientists are discovering new things about genes all the time.
For example, early 2018 they discovered that a learning gene used ‘virus-like’ strategies to move its genetic material between nerve cells (Memory Gene Goes Viral news article).
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Final say
Unique and quirky details come up when you sit down to create a life story.
Certainly some of these random aversions or loves might not seem logical.
But think back through the generations.
Indeed there could be a genetic explanation!
Happy writing!
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Your say
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First published March 21, 2019: This article has been updated and improved.