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Genetic Memory

by thunderbird
8 replies
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Is there scientific evidence of genetic memory in humans? What I find in Internet searches is mostly less-than-credible or just plain wacky.

I am referring to the notion that experiences of previous generations are genetically passed on to descendants.
#genetic memory #genetic memory proof
  • Profile picture of the author AlPaxum
    I think that there is more then likely something in terms of genetic memory. Maybe not as elaborate as they try to make it look, but "experiences of past generations"? Not sure about that one. I've never seen anything related to this so I can really give a valid opinion, but it does seem/sound a little unrealistic.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    NOPE! Babies seem to do almost everything by trial and error whether it is moving an arm, wallking, talking, etc... SOME have EVEN said that chimps are smarter than babies at various points. Anyway, if babies DID know more don't you think they would have an easier time?

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Genetic memory has been suggested by a few scientists and researchers on the cutting edge of thought and research. You might read What the Bleep Do We Know if the subject interests you. The book is nothing like the movie.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    It may appear genetic, but may be more about nurture, rather than nature. In other words, these memories that seem "genetic" may just be anthropological echoes that have been done since the dawn of humanity.

    IF that's the case, then the illusion of genetics would apparently get stronger as we get further removed from the source.

    I believe that's where things like Bigfoot come in. Back when homo sapiens co-existed with other humanoid species (larger and hairier species) there were no stories of large apemen living in the wildernes BECAUSE they were right there. There was no need for such stories. But, then, as those other humanoid species became extinct, stories of them were passed along via oral traditions, until they morphed into what we know today.

    BUT, there is also a chance that such stories were NOT handed down consciously, but rather became cautionary tales, though the tales had their genesis in the co-existence with other humanoid forms.

    I admit that's a bit deep, but it seems to be one example of how there could be the illusion of genetic memory.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      My own thinking of genetic memory is that it is simply much of what we refer to as instinct. If something flies toward your head, you duck. You don't have to be hit a few times in the head for your body to instinctively move away from the flying object.

      Aren't hormonal reactions such as fight-or-flight what you might call genetic memory? Saw a herd of wildebeests on TV tonight and they instinctively surround a young member of the herd when they feel threatened. Instinct, but is it genetic memory as they all know to do that?

      Of course, on the same show Palin's Dad was talking about letters they'd received complaining about hunting in one of the series shows.

      The woman wrote

      "I think it's bad to kill wildlife for food. You should buy your meat at the store where it's made".

      Apparently her genetic memory got wiped.

      kay
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        My own thinking of genetic memory is that it is simply much of what we refer to as instinct. If something flies toward your head, you duck. You don't have to be hit a few times in the head for your body to instinctively move away from the flying object.

        Aren't hormonal reactions such as fight-or-flight what you might call genetic memory? Saw a herd of wildebeests on TV tonight and they instinctively surround a young member of the herd when they feel threatened. Instinct, but is it genetic memory as they all know to do that?
        That fight or flight I was going to call INSTINCT, but realized that you mentioned that already. ALL animals have fear and almost a sense of pride. I will never forget that praying mantis that once tried to threaten my bike. OK, I was small, and the bike wasnt the largest, but it was STILL like a cat trying to threaten a 747! For those that don't know, the 747 is a HUGE jumbo jet, that dwarfs a 737.

        And if OUR fight or flight is genetic memory, than isn't it with the praying mantis, or the ants? If so, than do we all have the SAME genetic memory?

        Of course, on the same show Palin's Dad was talking about letters they'd received complaining about hunting in one of the series shows.

        The woman wrote

        "I think it's bad to kill wildlife for food. You should buy your meat at the store where it's made".

        Apparently her genetic memory got wiped.

        kay
        WOW! IRONICALLY if ALL killed their own food, they would be more likely to eat vegetables, and would kill as they needed it. A store, like its name implies, STORES by definition a SURPLUS! They TRY to schedule things such that they can handle all but don't end up with much of a surplus, but they DO have a surplus.

        Also, some hunting seasons are setup to limit wildlife that would otherwise cause a food shortage and/or cause the animals to venture to cities, etc... So it DOES have a purpose. Frankly, if THEY were king, they might have had a HUMAN hunting season, and things would be more balanced.

        OH WELL, maybe that woman meant she was against shooting the WILDlife(IE not raised for food), and they should just buy it at the store where it is packed so that it is easier to use. We can HOPE anyway.

        steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Don't know. My father, grandfather and great-uncle were all very talented bagpipe players. When I started learning the pipes just after my 30th birthday, it was extremely easy for me. So much so that within only a few months, I was turning out in street marches with the pipe band.

    They're not an easy instrument to master. Is it genetic memory, or as Michael suggested, is it nurture because I grew up listening to the pipes? I'm not a musical prodigy because I failed miserably at learning the guitar and can't sing a note.

    Interesting concept.
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  • Profile picture of the author 82ana
    Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

    Is there scientific evidence of genetic memory in humans? What I find in Internet searches is mostly less-than-credible or just plain wacky.
    Whacky is the word for it.
    I was researching something(...) once and came across this youtube video that had some psuedo expert saying that it is impossible to have races as different as found on Earth. The different races are all different kinds of aliens from different planets. (What kills me is he was being very serious.)

    Let me see if I can dig it up.

    Found it!

    Did you know you "popped up"

    Sorry if this distracts a little from the subject.
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