Childhood trauma can leave scars on DNA, Harvard-UBC study finds

Children who are abused can be left with physical, "molecular scars" on their DNA that last well into adulthood, according to a new study from Harvard University and the University of British Columbia.

The findings could one day impact disease research as well as criminal investigations, though more work needs to be done before experts know how the "tagging" — known as DNA methylation — affects a victim's long-term mental and physical health.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/child-abuse-can-scar-victims-dna-study-finds-1.4848922