National Survey to Understand Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Communicating to the Public About Epigenetics

Launched by WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Jun 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is focused on understanding how to better communicate about epigenetics, which is how our environment and behaviors, like pollution, exercise, and smoking, can influence our genes. Many people don’t realize that these factors can "turn on" or "turn off" certain genes, potentially impacting their health. By developing and testing new ways to explain these concepts, the researchers hope to increase the public's understanding and acceptance of epigenetics in healthcare.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 65 and 74 years old, speak English, and identify as one of five racial or ethnic groups, including non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Indigenous, or Hispanic. Unfortunately, if you are a genetics expert, you won’t be eligible to join. Once the trial starts, participants will engage in discussions or activities aimed at improving how we talk about these important health issues. This research could help make complicated health information clearer for everyone.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English language speaker,
• Identify as one of five racial/ethnic groups:
• • 1. Non-Hispanic White
• • 2. Non-Hispanic Black,
• • 3. Non-Hispanic Asian
• • 4. Non-Hispanic Indigenous (i.e., Alaska Native/Native Hawaiians/American Indian/Other Pacific Islander)
• • 5. Hispanic (all races)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Self-identify as a genetics expert