Researchers from the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute have found that pregnant rats which were administered nicotine gave birth to asthmatic pups.  These pups were not exposed to nicotine yet gave birth to their own asthmatic pups.  This is the first study that illustrates the possibility of heritable epigenetic markers on genomes that can affect offspring for generations to come.  Doctors hope this finding can be used to develop targeted molecular interventions.  See more at Scienceagogo.

Image from wp.stockton.edu