The narrative delves into the challenges faced by David Hollar as an infantry lieutenant in South Vietnam, highlighting the intense conditions of jungle warfare. At just 25 years old, he navigated the perils of heat, wildlife, and treacherous terrain while bearing the heavy responsibility for the lives of 30 soldiers. His memoir captures the grit and resilience required to endure the relentless demands of military life amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
This stimulating volume tackles crucial questions regarding gene/environment interactions and their impact on cell health from prenatal stages to later life. It begins with an exploration of epigenetic processes in the human body and compiles current theoretical and empirical advancements in the field. Topics include transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, maternal nutrition's effects on epigenetic changes, and potential connections between epigenetics and childhood obesity. The book delves into public health and policy implications, emphasizing the potential for improving our epigenetic health as a species. Contributors also explore future possibilities, such as gene reprogramming to combat cancer and other diseases. Key areas of coverage include the role of environmental epigenetics in perinatal and neonatal development, the epigenetic biomarker γH2AX from bench science to clinical trials, and the risks associated with dental amalgam and mercury exposure throughout life. It addresses post-traumatic stress disorder's neurological, genetic, and epigenetic bases, as well as the long-term outcomes of children's exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Ethical implications of epigenetics are also discussed. This work brings valuable insights and applications of this vital field to public health practitioners, maternal and child health researchers, and environmental health experts.