Editing Nurture (section)

== Epigenetics and Neuroplasticity ==
[[Neuroplasticity]] refers to the ability of the brain in reorganizing and forming novel neuronal connections following environmental changes. A notable study by Maguire et al (2000) found that London taxi drivers, who are expected to learn detailed maps of London roads, seeing an increase in the size of their posterior [[Hippocampus|hippocampi]], which are utilised in spatial memory, correlating to time spent in the occupation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Maguire |first1=Eleanor A. |last2=Gadian |first2=David G. |last3=Johnsrude |first3=Ingrid S. |last4=Good |first4=Catriona D. |last5=Ashburner |first5=John |last6=Frackowiak |first6=Richard S. J. |last7=Frith |first7=Christopher D. |date=2000-04-11 |title=Navigation-related structural change in the hippocampi of taxi drivers |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=97 |issue=8 |pages=4398–4403 |doi=10.1073/pnas.070039597 |doi-access=free |pmc=18253 |pmid=10716738|bibcode=2000PNAS...97.4398M }}</ref> This evidences a capacity for the brain to remould itself based on demand, in this case navigation, showing the importance of nurture.

A growing body of research speaking to the cross-pollination of environmental factors and cognitive processes, has studied the role of [[epigenetics]] in demonstrating how nurture can affect our behaviour and development. This refers to the mechanisms by which various life experiences can contribute to heritable alterations in the expression of genes while preserving DNA sequences, contributing to our understanding of psychopathology.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Masterpasqua |first=Frank |date=2009-09-01 |title=Psychology and Epigenetics |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1037/a0016301 |journal=Review of General Psychology |language=EN |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=194–201 |doi=10.1037/a0016301 |issn=1089-2680|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Epigenetics also play a role in fostering long-term [[psychological resilience]], in which protective environmental factors, such as parental care, and positive factors, like diet and exercise, may all promote better responses to experienced adversities.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Smeeth |first1=Demelza |last2=Beck |first2=Stephan |last3=Karam |first3=Elie G. |last4=Pluess |first4=Michael |date=2021-07-01 |title=The role of epigenetics in psychological resilience |journal=The Lancet Psychiatry |language=English |volume=8 |issue=7 |pages=620–629 |doi=10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30515-0 |issn=2215-0366 |pmc=9561637 |pmid=33915083}}</ref>