There was an article in the Wall Street Journal today about how we turn our genes off and on with our minds and with environmental cues. We have all the same brain genes as a monkey, but what sets us apart is which of those genes are turned on. Identical twins vary for no apparent reason until it is realized that while they have the exact same genes, things happen to one twin that causes the expression of those genes to vary.
It seems to say that we are not completely stuck with our genetic dispositions. Just thinking about something can turn genes on. For an ever increasing number of genes, they can prove changed gene expression with a device called a gene expression micro array, a 1999 invention that is revolutionizing gene research. I want to place a bet that path to change certain gene expressions with thought will turn out to be the ancient mythological archetypes that we all have going on. We reach down into our elemental nature with these archetypes as a guide and change our genes around!
The article hinted that one of the reason Prozac works so well is that it turns on certain genes that stimulate the growth of extra neurons. Extra neurons? Couldn't we all use some extra neurons? Some brand new ones that aren't clogged with Beta-Amyloids? Sign me up.
2:52:06 PM 
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