Transgenerational Trauma: Epigenetic Scars of Syrian War

A groundbreaking study tracked three generations of Syrian refugees, revealing the transgenerational impact of trauma. Researchers found that violence experienced during the Syrian civil war and the Hama attack leaves epigenetic marks on the genomes of descendants, even accelerating biological aging. While the long-term effects of these alterations remain unclear, the study suggests that the impact of traumatic experiences on future generations may be far greater than previously assumed, highlighting the need to take all forms of violence seriously. The research underscores the extraordinary resilience of Syrian refugee families in the face of trauma, as they continue to live fulfilling lives, carry on traditions, and persevere.