Polygence Scholar2024
Rachel Liu
Class of 2027Claremont, CA
About
Hello, my name is Rachel Liu. I'm currently a Freshmen in high school, and I'm interested in working on a project related to Biology. It could be something related to DNA extraction or something to do with human biology. I'm not quite sure what exactly I want to do; we could figure the specific together later on. I'm looking forward into being able to write a paper or complete a project that I can publish.Projects
- "DNA methylation and epigenetic clocks in human health" with mentor Carly (Sept. 13, 2024)
Project Portfolio
DNA methylation and epigenetic clocks in human health
Started Apr. 12, 2024
Abstract or project description
DNA methylation is a type of epigenetic change that occurs within an organism's lifespan. Because methylation marks are accumulated within an organism's life and affect their gene expression and physiology, it is possible they also affect their lifespan and health. This research synthesizes how DNA methylation affects the human body in terms of aging and disease. I discuss how epigenetic age and biological age aren’t always the same and how epigenetic clocks can be used as indicators of health and lifespan. Since epigenetic changes correlate with mortality and aging, future biomedical research should consider how human longevity can be increased by epigenetic modifications.