What's in our genes? 10:30

A Life in Research

Research is the fuel that drives innovation and progress. The work of a researcher is often fascinating, frustrating, challenging, and rewarding. Meet some of McGill University’s most prominent researchers, men and women who have been recognized with major awards like the Ordre National du Quebec and the Order of Canada. These individuals have devoted their careers to answering questions no one else has been able to fully answer before. Find out what prompted them to explore their particular field, what motivates them, and what advice they would give to someone thinking of embarking on A Life in Research.

Episode 4: What's in our genes?

Michael Meaney, a professor of biological psychiatry, identified the importance of maternal care in modifying the expression of genes that regulate behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. He noted that maternal care can modify an offspring's ability to cope with stress later in life.

Bartha Knoppers specializes in Comparative Medical Law and is an internationally recognized expert in the ethical aspects of genetics, genomics and biotechnology. In 2007, she created the Quebec biobank CARTaGENE, which collects biological samples from over 20,000 people.