Epigenetics, the "software" that interprets information stored in the DNA "hardware," may just be the next big thing in bioscience. Recent studies indicating that epigenetic changes may play a role in learning, memory, and AD have generated buzz, and raised hope of novel therapeutic approaches. But what is this new field all about? How does it fit in with the genetics of AD? To address these questions, the National Institute on Aging convened researchers from the fields of epigenetics, genetics, and gene regulation earlier this month. The scientists discussed new studies that seek to define the role of epigenetics in AD, and how their nascent field will handle an expected flood of epigenetic data.