What are Some Key Genetic Discoveries Relevant to Pediatrics?
Recent advancements in genetics have significantly influenced the field of pediatrics. One prominent discovery is the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are variations in a single DNA building block. These variations can impact how children respond to medications, their susceptibility to diseases, and even physical traits. Another important discovery is the role of epigenetics in understanding how environmental factors can alter gene expression in children without changing the DNA sequence itself.