It's time to bust some myths about genes, inheritance and health

Dec 17, 2018

An undated file picture taken with electronic microscope shows EHEC bacteria (enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) in Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Brunswick. German health authorities on May 25, 2011 have warned consumers to be careful with raw salad vegetables, especially those originating from northern Germany, after reporting about 140 cases and at least four deaths. REUTERS/Manfred Rohde/Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI) (GERMANY - Tags: SCI TECH HEALTH) THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - BM2E75Q0S0Y01

Bacteria can be harmful, but also essential to our health. Image: REUTERS/Manfred Rohde/Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung

Ian Myles

Head, , Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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Researchers conducting twin studies assumed that common behavior and trait was a result of common genes, not a common environment. Image: natthawut ngoensanthia/Shutterstock.com

There are a lot more factors than genes that influence good Image: health.arka38/Shutterstock.com

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Gut microbes are known to play a role in mental health. Image: Anatomy Insider/Shutterstock.com

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