Dr. Bruce Lipton (1944- )
International Leader in Bridging Science and Spirit, Father of Modern Epigenetics
"Our thoughts are mainly controlled by our subconscious, which is largely formed before the age of 6, and you cannot change the subconscious mind by just thinking about it." -- Dr. Bruce Lipton
Academic Background
Born in October of 1944 in Mt. Kisco, New York, Dr. Bruce Lipton began his career as a traditional biologist. At the age of 22 he graduated from the C.W. Post College of Long Island University, in Brookville, New York with a B.A. in Biology. In 1971, he received his Ph.D. in Developmental Cell Biology from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
After receiving his Ph.D. he embarked on a career as a cell biologist. From 1973-1982 he taught Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor. In addition to teaching, Dr. Lipton continued his research. He conducted studies on muscular dystrophy and used cloned human stem cells. One of his primary areas of focus was the molecular mechanisms that control the behavior of cells. Along with Dr. Ed Schultz, he developed a unique tissue transplantation technique which was subsequently employed as a form of genetic engineering in humans. Their findings were published in the journal Science.
Quantum Physics and Cell Biology
In the early 80s, Dr. Lipton became fascinated by the principles of quantum physics. In particular, he was pondering the questions of how these principles could be integrated and applied to his work regarding the way cells process information. He began producing revolutionary studies on the cell membrane. He discovered that the outer layer of every cell is the organic equivalent of a computer chip. In other words, the membrane of a cell was the equivalent of the cell's "brain."
He continued his research at Stanford University's School of Medicine between 1987 and 1992. At that time, the established scientific viewpoint was that a person's life and health were largely controlled by the genes he or she received at birth. Lipton's research dispelled this idea and revealed that environmental factors could control the physiology of cells as well as their behavior by turning genes on and off.
The New Biology: Epigenetics
Lipton's revolutionary research launched the science of epigenetics. In layperson's terms, we can't control about 30% of our genetic makeup since it comes from our heredity. The other 70% of our genetic makeup is influenced by our diet, the amount we exercise, our lifestyle, what we put on our skin, and our emotional response to events.
Imagine yourself coming into your house in the dark. As you come into the vestibule, you'll make decisions about which lights in the house you'll turn on and which you'll leave off. Your decisions don't change the structure of your house or your lighting systems, they just impact which lights will be used. The epigenome works in a similar way by choosing which genes should switch on or switch off. Epigenetics doesn't alter the sequence of your DNA makeup, it merely determines which of those genes will manifest and how they'll manifest.
Lipton's research led to a new understanding of the mind-body connection. His studies were validated by others in his field and his ideas began expanding from the scientific community to general audiences as he began presenting his award-winning lectures to the public.
The Biology of Belief
As Dr. Lipton continued his research, it transformed his own personal life. His in-depth understanding of the connection between the mind's choice and the information processing of cells implied the existence of an immortal spirit. He started to apply much of what he had learned to his own life and he noticed that his physical well-being as well as the quality of his daily life were greatly enhanced.
In 2005, Lipton self-published The Biology of Belief. More than 100,000 copies were sold until the book was picked up by Hay House, a leading publisher in the mind-body sciences and spirituality. This groundbreaking work helps readers understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their body chemistry. It essentially shows, from Lipton's research and that of other leading-edge scientists, that genes and DNA don't control our biology. Our thought messages control the epigenome and, in turn, it decides which genes will play a dominant role in our health as individuals and as a species.
Goi Peace Award
In 2009, Dr. Lipton won the Goi Peace Award for his work on The Biology of Belief. President of the Goi Peace Foundation, Hiroo Saionji, stated: “Through his research and educational activities, Dr. Lipton has contributed to a greater understanding of life and the true nature of humanity, empowering wide layers of the public to take control of their own lives and become responsible co-creators of a harmonious planetary future.”
As he continues to teach, research, and write, Dr. Lipton is a popular guest on television and radio. He's a frequent keynote presenter at mind-body conferences throughout the world. His research has launched a new biology that blends eastern and western medicine with spiritual practice. As he travels and lectures around the world, Dr. Lipton receives reports from audience members who have applied the principles he discusses and have greatly enhanced their mental and physical well being.
A Partial List of Books Authored by Dr. Bruce Lipton
- The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles
- The Honeymoon Effect: The Science of Creating Heaven on Earth
- Healing Our Planet, Healing Our Selves: The Power of Change Within to Change the World
- Healing the Heart of the World: Harnessing the Power of Intention to Change
- Your Life and Your Planet
- Muscle Regeneration
- Basic Histology
- Advances in Hypnosis for Medicine, Dentistry and Pain Prevention/Management
- Peak Vitality: Raising the Threshold of Abundance in Our Material, Spiritual and Emotional Lives
- Measuring the Immeasurable: The Scientific Case for Spirituality
- Audacious Aging
- Spontaneous Evolution: Our Positive Future and a Way to Get There From Here
- The Wisdom of Your Cells: How Your Beliefs Control Your Biology