Salma Mahmoud

Epigenetic Sovereignty: Beyond Nature and Nurture

Salma Mahmoud

University of Botswana

mahmouds@ub.ac.bw

 

The nature vs. nurture debate has long shaped discussions in medicine, psychology, and the social sciences. However, the emerging field of epigenetics offers a transformative framework that transcends this dichotomy, demonstrating how genetic expression is influenced by both biological and sociopolitical factors. In this study, I will explore how epigenetics bridges the biological, social, and political dimensions of human experience, using contemporary sociopolitical events to illustrate this intersection. One key area we have investigated is Palestinian Steadfastness (Sumud), a form of collective resilience exhibited by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, in the face of prolonged adversity. By applying epigenetic principles to this phenomenon, we introduce the concept of Dogmatic Steadfastness—a heritable form of resilience that enables individuals to endure hardship while preserving cultural identity. Our research suggests that this form of steadfastness is passed down through generations, with epigenetic changes reflecting the unique environmental and sociopolitical conditions experienced by Gaza’s citizens. In this context, epigenetic cues reveal how environmentally responsive biological adaptations contribute to biopolitical interactions. This paves the way for the concept of epigenetic citizenship, where social experiences—shaped by conflict, displacement, and adversity—are molecularized within communities, acting as intellectual adaptations to environmental change. Another area we are focusing on is fostering interdisciplinary partnership between different disciplines, through initiatives like the Botswana Alchemists. This platform founded by biologists and biomedical researchers aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders by  bringing together students from diverse fields—including natural sciences, technology and social sciences to collaborate on solving complex real-world challenges. By promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue, we emphasize the importance of integrating epigenetics with broader social and environmental considerations in tackling global issues. These projects demonstrate how epigenetics can offer new insights into the molecular underpinnings of resilience in communities exposed to conflict and stress. Moving beyond traditional biology and sociology, we aim to provide a more holistic, human-centered approach to understanding health, societal change, and the intersection of the biological with the political. Ultimately, this work calls for a more integrated approach to addressing global challenges, recognizing the profound connections between genetics, environment, and society."

 

Beyond the Genome: Epigenetics and the Symphony of Human Life

Salma Mahmoud

University of Botswana

mahmouds@ub.ac.bw

 

Though our human genomes share an astonishing 99.9% similarity, the symphony of human life is composed in the spaces between our genes. Epigenetics—the silent conductor—shapes the way our genes are expressed, orchestrating the complex melodies that define our health, behavior, and identity. It is this unseen force, not the genetic code itself, that dictates whether certain traits are expressed, turning the simple notes of our DNA into the rich, diverse compositions that make each of us unique.

Like a symphony guided by a master conductor, epigenetics weaves together the influences of our environment, experiences, and choices, crafting the soundscape of our lives. Even identical twins, who share the same genetic score, are shaped by different environmental cues, resulting in distinct expressions of their genetic potential. One twin may experience heightened stress, while the other finds balance in a nurturing environment—each imprinting their gene expression in ways that alter their health, appearance, and even personality. In this paper, we will discuss how the dynamic interplay of epigenetics offers a profound answer to the challenges of modern medicine. Epigenetics holds the key to correcting the dissonance caused by aging and disease. By understanding how external factors shape gene expression, we can restore harmony to the body’s biological rhythms. This knowledge opens the door to slowing the aging process, rejuvenating health, and even curing diseases once thought incurable. Epigenetics heralds a new era in personalized medicine, where treatments are finely tuned to each individual’s unique genetic symphony, offering bespoke care that aligns with the intricate composition of their biology.

Epigenetics reveals that while our genetic foundations may be shared, it is the subtle modulation of gene expression that shapes our individuality. It teaches us that we are not merely the sum of our genes but the intricate composition of both nature and nurture, a melody conducted by the ever-changing forces of our environment. Through this understanding, we stand poised to revolutionize health, crafting a future where the dissonance of disease can be replaced by the harmony of wellness.

 

Celestial Roots: The Epigenetic Tapestry of Human Endurance

Salma Mahmoud

University of Botswana

mahmouds@ub.ac.bw

 

In the silence of cells, a story unfolds,

Not just of genes, but of histories untold.

Not born of blood alone, but of land and sky,

Where the echoes of struggle refuse to die.

 

From Gaza’s dust, to Sudan’s broken plains,

A people’s spirit endures, despite the chains.

A tale of Sumud, of resilience and grace,

A story written in every face.

 

In every wound, in every scar,

We carry the weight, we reach for the stars.

Through pain and loss, through fear and night,

We stand together, drawn to the light.

 

In Gaza, in Sudan, in every land,

We are connected by the same hand.

Our genes speak of battles, of joy and grief,

Of survival etched in every leaf.

 

For in our blood, in the soil we share,

We find our strength, our will to care.

Epigenetic markers, passed through the years,

Hold the memory of triumphs and fears.

 

Dogmatic Steadfastness, a name we claim,

A heritage of resilience that none can tame.

Not just in Gaza, not just in Sudan,

But in every heart, in every hand.

 

The Botswana Alchemists rise with a call,

To bridge knowledge, to uplift us all.

Through science and spirit, they show the way,

To a future where we all have a say.

 

For in our genes, in the struggle we bear,

Is a bond, a truth laid bare:

We are the same, through suffering and strife,

Our epigenetic identity shapes our life.

 

From Gaza’s shores to Sudan’s plains,

Our shared resilience forever remains.

A legacy of strength, written in blood,

Our survival is more than just flesh and mud.

 

In the silence of cells, a story unfolds,

Of resilience, of hope, of hearts that hold.

Across borders, across seas, across time,

Our epigenetic roots are forever aligned.

 

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Dr. Salma Mahmoud is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Botswana, specializing in epigenetics and biomedical research. She holds a PhD from the University of Dundee, Scotland, where her research focused on the SNF2-homolog protein Fun30 as a novel chromatin remodeler. Her work explores the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and developmental diseases, with over 26 published papers in high-impact journals and a h-index of 16. Dr. Mahmoud is passionate about epigenetics as the missing link between biomedical sciences and other fields. Her interdisciplinary approach extends to exploring connections between epigenetics, classical literature (such as Homer’s Iliad), and the psychology of warfare and politics, reflecting her belief that historical narratives and modern science can intersect. She previously served as a Senior Research Scientist at the Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, studying the epigenetic regulation of RUNX3 in gastric cancer. Dr. Mahmoud has taught in the UAE, USA, and Afghanistan, contributing significantly to education in biology, biochemistry, and health sciences. She has received multiple awards and fellowships, presented at international conferences, and is known for her collaborative, global approach to scientific research and education.