BIIRGS Eye View™ Talks: Chronic Stress and Epigenetics

About this event

Stress is part of everyday life. When it is time-limited, the stress response can help the body mobilize attention and energy in response to an immediate demand. But what changes when demands continue, repeatedly return, or leave too little opportunity for recovery?

This introductory session examines the difference between everyday stress and chronic stress. Chronic stress is not defined simply by having a difficult day. It can develop when people experience sustained or recurring demands, limited control, persistent uncertainty, or insufficient recovery over an extended period.

Participants will be introduced to epigenetics, the study of processes that help regulate gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. The session will also explain what telomeres are, how they help protect the ends of chromosomes, why they naturally change over time, and what critically short or dysfunctional telomeres can mean for cellular functioning.

Epigenetics and telomere dynamics are distinct…