Native Hawaiians have a higher prevalence, earlier age of onset and higher rate of mortality from type 2 diabetes compared to all other populations in the state of Hawaii.
(Image credit: Dan Kurtzman via Getty images)
Epigenetics, which means “above genetics,” results in changes to the way an individual’s genes act without involving changes to the DNA itself. For example, by adding molecules called methyl groups to DNA — a process called DNA methylation — epigenetics may turn genes on or off, or increase or decrease their activity.
Environmental factors — such as stress, diet and smoking — can fuel epigenetic modifications which can, in turn, lead to conditions such as colorectal cancer and heart disease.
Sophie is a U.K.-based staff writer at Live Science. She covers a wide range of topics, having previously reported on research spanning from bonobo communication to the first water in the universe. Her work has also appeared in outlets including New Scientist, The Observer and BBC Wildlife, and she was shortlisted for the Association of British Science Writers’ 2025 “Newcomer of the Year” award for her freelance work at New Scientist. Before becoming a science journalist, she completed a doctorate in evolutionary anthropology from the University of Oxford, where she spent four years looking at why some chimps are better at using tools than others.
