Identically Different – by Dr. Tim Spector

Dr. Tim Spector, of Spoon Fed and Food For Life fame, this time focuses on the useful science of epigenetics, by which our genes are not nearly so immutable as most people think they are.

Not only can gene expression be changed in the short-term (after all, genes are only if-then instructions, which can be readily modulated by hormones and to a lesser extent diet and other factors), but also in the long-term, so lastingly as to be passed on to the next generation.

We say “useful”, because it means that a lot of health risks can be lowered, and healthy longevity increased, by tweaking things here and there.

It’s not all useful though—this book also meanders ill-sourcedly through the history of Nazi race science, eugenics, and such. Dr. Spector has noticeably less expertise when it comes to history, compared to his own field (medicine, genetic epidemiology, nutrition).

The modern science is much better-sourced, however, and relevant advice on a chapter-by-chapter basis is sound where it appears.

The style is very readable pop-science, and when he sticks to his field, it’s very well done.

Bottom line: if you’d like to understand more about epigenetics and what it means for you in your life in practical terms, this book can shine some light on that.

Click here to check out Identically Different, and change your genes!