I wonder if it is possible an animal can edit its own DNA based on things it obs... | Hacker News

Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

login

emadda on Sept 7, 2023 | parent | context | favorite | on: Beetle grows ‘termite’ on back to steal food

I wonder if it is possible an animal can edit its own DNA based on things it observed with its senses in the environment.

Eg Beetle observes kin dying via termite melee, encodes a potential solution in the DNA for the next generation.

hackeraccount on Sept 7, 2023 | [–]

Read about epigenetics. It's not quite as magic as what you describe but it's in the ballpark.

LeifCarrotson on Sept 7, 2023 | [–]

This might (eventually, pending MAJOR ethics committee issues) be possible for humans in a lab.

It's not realistic for beetles.

Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact