Jon_C_memo_9


 * Structuring a Project **

NIH expressed concerns over Bisphenol-A (BPA). (2008) Lack of regulation over environmental toxins that effect epigenetic inheritance. Eugenic legislation from the early to mid 20th century. Plastic companies and lobbying groups that protect BPA as a "safe substance." "War on Cancer." Unfulfiled promises of the Human Genome Project being filled with epigenetic promising. Public health projects.
 * Legal, Legislative and Political:**

Development of machines for reading DNA methylation (an epigenetic form of gene imprinting) at high speed. Increased understanding of environmental effects of genetics and reproduction. Bioinformatics allows for more studies of the "Hunger Winter" type.
 * Technological:**

With the discovery of diet effecting development, an entire host of epigenetic products were created: prenatal vitamins (for both men and women), childrens vitamins, adult vitamins, diet books.
 * Economic:**

Concerns over BPA and other environmental toxins, 1930s-present. Social justice concerns about poverty. Politics of race and ethnicity. Extension of life through technological means (chemotherapy drugs like Revlamid that are specifically targeted at people over 65). Eugenics (people want better babies, so they take every measure possible to "make it happen"), genetic health movements. Alternative medicine. Nature vs nurture debate(s). Medicalization of pregnancy. Medicalization of everyday life.
 * Sociocultural:**

Growing concern over environmental toxicity, "natural" is better than "artificial." (sociocultural as well)
 * Natural:**