New Journal Segment Examines the Intersection of Epigenetics, Ethics, Society, and Science

Epigenetics and Society: A New Forum for Ethical and Social Inquiry

Overview

Epigenetics has emerged as a compelling area of research, exploring how chemical modifications to DNA can influence gene expression and may be affected by various social factors. Acknowledging the profound implications of this field, Epigenetics Communications has launched a section titled Epigenetics and Society. This new forum aims to facilitate discussions that intertwine epigenetic research with ethical, legal, social, and political considerations.

Highlights of the New Section

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

   • The section calls for contributions from various fields, including life sciences, philosophy, ethics, history, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach recognizes that the implications of epigenetics cannot be examined in isolation.

2. Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects (ELSA):

   • A key focus is on the ethical dilemmas surrounding public health implications of epigenetic research. Questions arise regarding whether epigenetics will promote public health interventions or place the burden of health on individuals to make lifestyle changes.

3. Examining Epigenetic Editing:

   • The editorial emphasizes the need for scrutiny of epigenetic editing techniques, which, unlike traditional genomic editing, are seen as reversible. This raises new ethical concerns that have not yet been fully explored.

4. Research Practices:

   • The section will also evaluate research methodologies, particularly regarding the involvement of vulnerable populations. There are risks of stigmatization and exploitation that require careful consideration in the design of epigenetic studies.

5. Clinical Applications:

   • As epigenetic technologies move toward clinical use, the section will address their utility and equity in diagnosing and treating diseases. It emphasizes the importance of examining these technologies before their widespread implementation.

6. Socioeconomic Insights:

   • The editors invite research that links socioeconomic factors and life experiences to epigenetic outcomes, thus shedding light on issues of inequality and its biological embedding across generations.

7. Critical Examination of Research Agendas:

   • The forum will encourage discussions on the inherent biases in epigenetic research practices and how they influence the societal perception of findings.

8. Philosophical and Historical Perspectives:

   • Contributions will also be welcomed from scholars who investigate foundational concepts in epigenetics, contributing to a richer understanding of the field’s implications for our understanding of biology.

9. Biosocial Framework:

   • The editors emphasize the notion of the biosocial, highlighting the interplay between biological and social factors in shaping the epigenome. This approach will facilitate deeper exploration into the complex dynamics at play in health and disease.

Conclusion

The launch of the Epigenetics and Society section in Epigenetics Communications represents a significant step towards integrating ethical and societal discussions into the scientific understanding of epigenetics. It acknowledges the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration as the field continues to evolve, ensuring that the implications of epigenetics are responsibly addressed.

Article Reference:
Chiapperino, L., Bunnik, E., & van den Berg, G. J. (2022). ‘Epigenetics and Society’: a forum for the theoretical, ethical and societal appraisal of a burgeoning science. Epigenetics Communications, 2(1), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43682-022-00013-x

Keywords: epigenetics, ELSA, bioethics, epigenetic editing, CRISPR, biosocial science, public health, interdisciplinarity.