Is there a possibility of inheriting memories from our ancestors ? Let's find out

5 months ago (Edited)

Here is a question that might just make you question the very meaning of ancestral genetics, its goes thus and I quote "Can you inherit memories from your ancestors?" Yes, you heard it right or should I say you read that right. Whatever your reaction is to reading or maybe hearing that, you are not alone, or maybe you are actually alone, lets find out

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First off, let’s get one thing clear: this isn't about that time you mysteriously recalled your grandma’s secret soup recipe, nah! it goes deeper, deeper like a rabbit hole. This is about actual memories being passed down through generations, like a family tradition. I know, it sounds bizarre, right? But stay with me will you .

This particular article that I read kicks off with a peek into epigenetics. Now, before your eyes roll upward and inward like entering the first stage of boredom, let me break it down in a way you can relate more. Okay, Epigenetics is like the DJ at lets say a genetic party, basically this DJ(epigenetics) decide which genes gets to dance and which ones sit this one out. The simple theory here is that, life experiences could leave marks on your DNA, which are then passed down to new generations. Imagine your ancestors' trauma or joy being a part of your very DNA. The bad , the good and even the ugly, yeah, very convenient. Certainly a double edged sword if you ask me.

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To bring in more science, the article talks about actual experiments. In this experiment, scientists trained mice to fear a specific smell. Generations later, their grandchildren-mice also freaked out when they caught a whiff of the same scent, without ever having encountered it before. Mind-blown yet? Me too.

The big question is, what does this mean for us humans? If our ancestors’ experiences can shape our fears, preferences, or behaviors, it's like carrying a mental problem or solution to a problem of their past lives. Now, what the above means is that you could inherit your grandpa's nose and, apparently also inherit his war-induced anxiety too. Talk about inheriting a PTSD, thanks very much, Grandpa.

Lets mix in some philosophy shall we, If our memories and experiences aren't entirely our own, it begs the question: who are we, really? Are we just a patchwork or an update version of our ancestors’ lives? This line of thinking can send you down a rabbit hole faster than Barry Allen on steroids.

Of course, the article isn’t all “whoa, dude.” There are skeptics too. Not everyone buys into the idea that our ancestors’ experiences are lurking in our genes, ready to pop out like an overripe pimples. Some scientists argue that more evidence is needed before we start rewriting our biology textbooks.

My Personal Connection:

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Reading the article, I couldn’t help but wonder about my own characteristics. My irrational fear of heights, could it be linked to some great-great-great ancestor who had a series of nasty falls from a tall tree and ended up breaking a bone or two here and there? Or my sometimes annoying love for playing drums—was my great-great-grandpa a drum prodigy? These are actually fun things to think about.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Whether you’re a science nerd, a history lover, or just someone who loves a good “what if” scenario like me, the idea that you could inherit memories from your ancestors is tantalizing. It opens up a Pandora's box of possibilities about our connections to the past and how they shape our present.

All in all, next time you have a vivid dream or an unexplainable phobia, you might just be tapping into your ancestral memory bank. It’s a concept that’s as fascinating as it is mysterious. So, remember, the past is never truly gone. It might just be encoded in your DNA, waiting for the right moment to resurface. Cheers to a future where science and history intertwine in the most unexpected ways! 🥂