Seasonal Genes & The Science of Fear

The video explores how seasonal changes affect gene expression, particularly in the immune system, influencing the activity of genes related to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and flu. It suggests that winter might be the best time for vaccinations due to heightened immune responses. Additionally, the video discusses research on fruit flies, revealing that they exhibit fear-like behaviors, which could help understand the biological and evolutionary origins of fear and anxiety in humans.

What seasonal changes have been observed in the expression of genes associated with the immune system?

How do the patterns of gene activity differ between individuals living in different hemispheres?

What is the significance of the gene Arntl in relation to inflammation and autoimmune diseases?

What behaviors did researchers observe in fruit flies that suggest they experience fear?

How can studying fruit flies contribute to understanding human emotional disorders?