Abstract
Epigenetics describes how nuclear DNA is modified to direct gene expression. Epigenetics research suggests that inadequate diet at the time of conception can lead to errors in the embryonic epigenome, with potential consequences for child development. The face is a powerful integrative signature of early developmental errors, so facial analysis offers an intriguing way to learn more about the role of epigenetics in development. This project will use a database of facial scans acquired from children in rural Gambia and the latest machine learning techniques to investigate links between facial phenotypes, epigenetics and seasonal differences in diet at conception.
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