Early Experiences Can Alter Gene Expression and Affect Long-Term Development

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

This in-depth working paper explains how genes and the environment interact, and gives recommendations for ways that caregivers and policymakers can effectively respond to the science. Early experiences can affect how and if genes are expressed. Children’s early environmental influences shape their developing brain architecture and strongly affect whether they grow up to be healthy, productive members of society. This working paper from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child explains why it is important that society thinks carefully about young children’s early surroundings and experiences.

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