Event 2: Environment in Epigenetics Research

         I was interested in attending this event because I am curious to find out about the kind of research that a social scientist focuses on as I have only been exposed to research of scientists in neuropsychology and biochemistry. Clemence Pinel, a social scientist of bioscience and biomedicine at King’s College London, presented on her research in answering the question: “what do the environment and the epigenetics allow labs to do?” (Pinel). Throughout her presentation, she elaborated that collaboration, mobility, and profitability are avenues that will allow for the expansion of epigenetic research. She was able to determine these three avenues through extensive research about the influence of the environment on epigenetics. For example, she discovered that the collaboration of laboratory materials and data between two laboratories has lead to their success of proposing a biomarker that helps identify chronic back pain to large pharmaceutical companies because after hearing their proposal, these companies were willing to further fund their research out of the interest of eventually creating a biomarker that can be used by health professionals. Overall, this example illustrates how collaboration and profitability can aid in expanding epigenetic research. While Pinel’s topic was interesting and her evidence can be easily understood, my personal impression of her presentation was not great because at times, I was lost in the argument that she was making due to a non-transparent cause and effect relationship in the evidence she presented. It was a challenge to see how the evidence connects together.
Pinel elaborating on the importance of collaboration in epigenetic research
Pinel sharing her finding after interviewing two laboratories in England


Even though I honestly would not suggest this event to a friend, I do find that the presentation has sparked my curiosity about how understanding the environmental factors of epigenetic itself can be useful in public health research. Learning there exists a third culture connecting the two cultures of science and art, I find that epigenetics and today’s technology are part of the third culture that connects the public health part of the scientific culture with the culture of art (Snow). Since the third culture contains the tools that connect the two cultures, art can make a positive difference in public health through incorporating knowledge of epigenetics with today’s technology (Vesna). Specifically, current research shows that social determinants of health identified through epigenetics research can be incorporated in public health research to help with proposing novel ways to educate the public (Finan). When considering today’s society strong attachment to technology, I believe that technology, such as mobile app or social media news feed, can be an artistic platform to promote preventative health through educating the public about current health issues and various forms of preventative care.
Me after Clemence Pinel's Presentation and Q&A Session


References: 

Finan, Seán. "Playing The Long Game: Epigenetics And Public Health | Bill Of Health". Blogs.Harvard.Edu, 2017, http://blogs.harvard.edu/billofhealth/2017/03/27/playing-the-long-game-epigenetics-and-public-health/. Accessed 14 May 2018.

Pinel, Clemence. "The Construction Of The ‘Environment’ In Epigenetics Research: A Social Study". 2018.

Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. New York, Cambridge University Press, 1961.

Vesna, Victoria. "Medicine Pt1". Youtube, 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=717&v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk. Accessed 24 Apr 2018.

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