Child abuse leaves molecular ‘scars' in DNA of victims’ sperm, new study suggests
Child abuse may leave marks that go even deeper than psychological trauma by physically etching itself into people’s DNA, according to a new Harvard study.
Research based on a small sample of men found differences in chemical marks within the genetic code of those who have experienced abuse as children.
The scientists examined a chemical process termed methylation in DNA from sperm samples, and found noticeable differences that appeared to distinguish victims and non-victims.
Not only do these findings suggest a long-term physical impact of trauma, the presence of these changes in sperm cells suggests its legacy may even be passed between generations.
