How does epigenetics impact the placenta? - with Jennifer Frost

How does epigenetics impact the placenta? - with Jennifer Frost

From Ri Science Podcast by The Royal Institution

April 29, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

Jennifer Frost discusses the impact of transposons and ancient viruses on placenta function and pregnancy complications.

How are segments of DNA preserved from ancient viruses impacting the functioning of the placenta? And how does this lead to pregnancy complications? Jennifer Frost leads a team of researchers at Kings College London, investigating the role of transposons in the placenta which leads to pregnancy complications. She joins us this month to explore what transposons are, why the placenta is so susceptible to their influence, and how this can manifest in pregnancy. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Explore our Summer Programme on our  website   Subscribe to our  YouTube channel   Follow us: @ri_science on  Instagram  and  TikTok   Producer and presenter: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Lia Hale

Guest: Jennifer Frost

Topics covered

  • epigenetics
  • placenta
  • pregnancy complications
  • transposons
  • DNA
  • research

Keywords

  • epigenetics
  • placenta
  • transposons
  • pregnancy complications
  • DNA
  • research
  • Kings College London

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kings College London

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