Hey there, Assassin’s Creed fans! Did you know there’s a fascinating science behind the idea of memories being passed down through our genes? Let’s dive into this intriguing concept and see how it connects to the real world.
In the game Assassin’s Creed, players experience the memories of people from the past. These memories are stored in their DNA, which sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Normally, memories are kept in the brain, and when someone passes away, their memories go with them. But recent research suggests that some memories might actually be passed down through generations.
Memories aren’t stored in just one part of the brain; they’re spread out across the whole structure. This is helpful because if one part of the brain gets damaged, you don’t lose all your memories. DNA, on the other hand, is usually linked to physical traits, not memories. So, how can memories be passed down?
It turns out that certain types of information, like fears, can be inherited. Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine conducted an experiment where they trained mice to fear the smell of cherry blossoms by giving them mild electric shocks. When these mice had babies, the offspring were also afraid of the scent, even though they had never encountered it before.
This phenomenon is related to a field called epigenetics. Some genes can change how they express themselves based on life experiences. For example, long-term stress can alter gene expression, which might lead to health issues.
In the mice experiment, the DNA responsible for reacting to the cherry blossom scent was more active in the sperm of the shocked mice. This change in DNA expression was passed down to their offspring, who were born with a natural fear of the scent.
Our brains are always changing based on what we experience, and the shocked mice showed changes in the parts of their brains that detect smells. Their children inherited these changes, suggesting that many of our instinctive behaviors, like how we respond to danger, could be genetic. We might inherit natural fears of things that were dangerous to our ancestors, which could help us survive.
However, not all inherited traits are helpful. Sometimes, we might inherit fears that don’t really serve a purpose.
So, does this mean we can relive memories through DNA, like in Assassin’s Creed? Not exactly. While we can’t directly experience our ancestors’ memories, some types of memories might be passed down in a physical way.
There could be many fascinating aspects of our ancestry that we might be experiencing without even knowing it.
If you find this topic interesting, check out our science show “Hard Science,” where we explore all sorts of crazy experiments. It’s a lot of fun! And if you’re into games, don’t miss Tara’s reviews of games like Assassin’s Creed 4 on Rev3Games.
Thanks for joining us on this scientific adventure!
Conduct a simple experiment to understand how memories might be linked to DNA. Create a chart to track a specific behavior or preference in your family, such as a favorite food or a common fear. Discuss with your family members and see if there’s a pattern that might suggest inherited traits.
Research a real-world example of epigenetics, such as the Dutch Hunger Winter or the effects of stress on gene expression. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, explaining how these events demonstrate the principles of epigenetics.
Create a storyboard for a new Assassin’s Creed game that incorporates the concept of epigenetics. Include a plot that involves characters discovering inherited memories or traits that help them in their missions. Present your storyboard to the class and explain how it ties into the science behind the game.
Participate in a class debate on the topic: “Are inherited fears and traits more beneficial or detrimental to modern humans?” Prepare arguments for both sides, using examples from the article and additional research to support your points.
Build a 3D model of DNA using craft materials. Highlight the sections that could be influenced by epigenetic changes. Use your model to explain to your classmates how gene expression can be altered by environmental factors and experiences.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
Assassin’s Creed fans, get ready because it turns out that our memories may be passed down in our genes! Anthony here for DNews, joined again by Tara Long, who reviewed Assassin’s Creed 4 on Rev3Games and also hosts “Hard Science” with me.
So, for those who are not familiar, what is Assassin’s Creed about?
The core idea behind Assassin’s Creed is that you’re reliving the memories of people from the past. Their memories are stored inside their DNA, which is a pretty sci-fi concept. Normally, memories are stored in the cells of your brain, and when you die, those memories die with you. However, new research from Emory University School of Medicine suggests that certain memories can be passed on genetically from generation to generation.
It’s important to note that memories aren’t stored in any particular region of your brain; they’re distributed throughout the entire structure. This distribution is beneficial because if one part of your brain gets damaged, you don’t lose all your memories. But DNA is associated with physical attributes, not memories. So how are these things passed on?
It turns out that specific types of information, like phobias, can be inherited. A research team trained mice to fear the smell of cherry blossoms using electric shocks. After the experiment, they allowed the mice to breed, and their offspring were also afraid of the scent from birth, despite never having been exposed to it.
This phenomenon is linked to epigenetics, which we’ve discussed before. Some genes can change how they express themselves based on life experiences. For example, long-term stress can alter gene expression, potentially leading to mental or physical health issues.
Interestingly, the DNA responsible for sensitivity to the smell of cherry blossoms was more active in the sperm of the shocked mice. These mice had a stress response to the scent, which changed their DNA expression, and they passed this altered DNA to their offspring.
Our brains are constantly changing based on our experiences, and the shocked mice showed changes in the areas of their brains that detect odors. Their children were born with these changes already in place. This suggests that a lot of our instinctive behaviors, such as how we react to danger and stress, could be genetic. We may inherit natural aversions to things that were harmful to our ancestors, giving us a survival advantage.
However, not all inherited traits are beneficial. For example, we might inherit irrational fears that aren’t useful.
So, does this mean we can recreate or relive memories through DNA? While it doesn’t directly relate to the concept of “Assassin’s Creed,” it does indicate that some types of memories may be physically passed down from our ancestors.
There could be many interesting aspects of our ancestry that we might be reliving without realizing it.
Speaking of interesting topics, we host a science show together called “Hard Science,” where we explore crazy experiments. It’s a lot of fun, so be sure to check that out! And of course, Tara is constantly reviewing games like Assassin’s Creed 4 over on Rev3Games, so check that channel out as well.
Thanks for joining me again, Tara!
—
This version removes any inappropriate language and maintains a professional tone while preserving the essence of the discussion.
Memories – Memories are the mental processes that allow us to store and recall information from past experiences. – Example sentence: Studying how memories are formed can help scientists understand how the brain works.
DNA – DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, and functioning of all living organisms. – Example sentence: Every cell in your body contains DNA that determines your unique characteristics.
Genes – Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which carry out various functions in the body. – Example sentence: Genes play a crucial role in determining physical traits like eye color and height.
Inherited – Inherited refers to the genetic traits or characteristics passed down from parents to their offspring. – Example sentence: Many inherited traits, such as hair color, are determined by the combination of genes from both parents.
Epigenetics – Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. – Example sentence: Epigenetics helps explain how environmental factors can influence the way genes are expressed in an organism.
Instincts – Instincts are innate behaviors that are hardwired into an organism and are typically performed without prior experience or learning. – Example sentence: Birds have instincts that guide them to migrate thousands of miles each year.
Traits – Traits are characteristics or features of an organism that can be inherited or influenced by the environment. – Example sentence: Traits such as leaf shape and flower color can vary widely among different plant species.
Fears – Fears are emotional responses to perceived threats or dangers, often rooted in survival instincts. – Example sentence: Understanding common fears can help psychologists develop treatments for anxiety disorders.
Brain – The brain is the organ in the body that serves as the center of the nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information and controlling behavior. – Example sentence: The human brain is capable of complex tasks such as problem-solving and language comprehension.
Ancestry – Ancestry refers to the lineage or historical descent of an organism, often traced through genetic or family history. – Example sentence: By studying ancestry, scientists can learn about the migration patterns of ancient human populations.
