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Huberman Lab #216 · May 26, 2025 · 2h
Behaviors That Alter Your Genes to Improve Your Health & Performance
Geneticist Melissa Ilardo on epigenetics — how behavior changes gene expression. Her research on the Bajau sea nomads showed that generations of diving selected for larger spleens. Closer to home: exercise, diet, stress, and sleep all alter which genes are active.
This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.
Highlights
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Behavior changes gene expression — you are not locked in by your DNA
Ilardo: genes are not destiny. Epigenetic mechanisms (methylation, histone modification) turn genes on and off based on environmental signals. Exercise, diet, sleep, and stress all alter your epigenome within hours to days.Was this useful?