Ep 8. Mom Vs Dad What Did You Inherit

AsapSCIENCE season 1 episode 8 delves into the age-old question: what traits do we inherit from our parents? The episode, titled "Mom Vs Dad What Did You Inherit," explores the science behind genetics and how our traits are passed down to us.

The hosts, Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown, start by explaining the basics of genetics. They discuss genes and alleles, which are variations of genes that determine various traits such as eye and hair color. The hosts explain that each person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from their mother and one from their father.

Next, the hosts dive into the topic of dominant and recessive traits. They explain that if a person inherits a dominant gene, they will exhibit that trait, while a recessive gene will only manifest if both copies of the gene are recessive. The hosts use examples like the ability to roll one's tongue and earlobe attachment to illustrate these concepts.

The hosts then explore more complicated traits, such as height and intelligence, which are determined by multiple genes. They explain that these traits are not solely determined by genetics, but also influenced by environmental factors.

One interesting aspect of genetics that the hosts address is epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression due to environmental factors, not changes in the actual DNA sequence. The hosts explain that epigenetic changes can be influenced by things like diet, stress, and even relationships.

To further explore the effects of genetics on personality traits, the hosts conduct a survey of their social media followers. They ask their followers to rank various traits, such as sensitivity and risk-taking, on a scale of one to five based on whether they believe they inherited them from their mother or father. The hosts then present the results of the survey and discuss various theories about why certain traits are more commonly associated with one parent over the other.

The episode concludes with a discussion of gene editing and the ethical considerations that come with it. The hosts explain that while gene editing could theoretically be used to eliminate genetic diseases or enhance desirable traits, there are also concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and unfair advantages for those who can afford the technology.

Overall, "Mom Vs Dad What Did You Inherit" is an insightful exploration of the science of genetics and how our traits are inherited from our parents. The hosts use clear and engaging explanations, along with relatable examples, to make the episode accessible to viewers of all levels of scientific knowledge.