Essentials: Genes & the Inheritance of Memories Across Generations | Dr. Oded Rechavi

The inheritance of acquired traits challenges the traditional biological dogma that only genetic information in germ cells passes to offspring. While somatic cells—such as those in the brain—undergo changes through experience, these modifications are typically erased during the transition between generations to maintain a blank slate. However, research using the model organism *C. elegans* demonstrates that small RNA molecules can bypass these barriers. These RNAs, which regulate gene expression, transmit environmental information, such as viral resistance or behavioral adaptations, across multiple generations. By manipulating small RNA production in the worm's brain, researchers observe corresponding changes in the behavior and physiology of descendants. While these mechanisms remain unproven in humans, they suggest that RNA-based signaling could influence transgenerational health, offering a new frontier for diagnostics and understanding how life experiences might biologically impact future generations.