Researchers report that a nuanced, targeted version of parental control over gene expression is the method of choice over classic genomic imprinting. So-called noncanonical imprinting is particularly prevalent in the brain, and skews the genetic message in subpopulations of cells so that mom, or dad, has a stronger say, they say. The mechanism can influence offspring behavior, and because it is observed more frequently than classic imprinting, appears to be preferred.