Clyde Hertzman
Putting the concept of biological embedding in historical perspective
Learning Partnership|University of British Columbia|University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign|National Academy of Sciences
paper describes evidence led concept biological embedding research approaches designed elucidates mechanisms biological embedding occurs experience gets skin alters human biological developmental processes systematic differences experience different social environments society lead systematically different biological developmental states differences stable long term finally capacity influence health wellbeing learning behavior life course biological embedding emerged insights population health unique characteristics socioeconomic gradients ubiquity poor postscarcity societies alike gradient seen regardless whether socioeconomic status measured income education occupation cutting widely across health wellbeing learning behavior outcomes replicating new conditions entering society often showing flatter gradients mean better overall societal outcomes important gradient begins life course gradient developmental health suggesting emergence multifaceted resiliencevulnerability early life best place look evidence biological embedding understand character metaphor archeology biological embedding used wherein surficial stratum dig experience behavior shallow stratum organ system cellular function deep stratum gene function ready address fundamental question biological embedding early childhood environments work together genetic variation epigenetic regulation generate gradients health human development across life course