Scientific American recently published a message from Robert Plomin, who is the deputy director of the Center for Psychiatry at King's College London. The scientist confirmed that at present the dependence of human intelligence on his genes is generally accepted in the scientific community. Here is a detailed version of his note.
For more than a hundred years, scientists have been trying to figure out what determines the intellectual abilities of a person, and it seems that the answer has been found: the differences in the mental abilities of people are the result of their genetic differences.
Of course, this conclusion requires clarification. We are talking about the average indicators for all of humanity - when comparing a pair of specific people, the reasons for their intellectual inequality may be different. Often, for example, a person cannot realize the potential inherent in genes due to a disease suffered in childhood.
When we talk about genes, we mean the qualities that are transmitted from one generation to the next through DNA. However, it should be borne in mind that out of three billion DNA base pairs, only 15 million (0.5%) determine our individuality - everything else is common to all homo sapiens. When assessing mental abilities, it is also important to choose the right measure - some, for example, consider the knowledge and skills acquired at school to be intelligence. When defining someone's intelligence, it is more appropriate to consider general cognitive abilities, which can be measured through a wide range of tests.
Of course, genes make a significant contribution to personality development, but there are other important factors as well. Scientists are now confident that half of the differences between people are of a non-genetic nature. This is confirmed by numerous studies of twins who grew up in different families.
Scientists are currently focused on finding genes that affect our intelligence. According to recent reports, thousands of regions of the genome are associated with corresponding qualities.
Interesting research has recently been published showing that the influence of genes on intelligence increases with age. In infancy, genetics determines our cognitive abilities by 20%, in childhood - by 40%, and in adulthood - by 60%. Apparently, this dependence is explained by the fact that over the course of life a person finds an area of activity in which his genetic advantages are maximized.
The ability to predict intelligence from DNA can be very useful. Someday scientists will be able to explain in detail the mechanism that links our genes, intelligence and brains. We will find ways to prevent rare genetic disorders that cause diseases that lead to mental retardation, such as Down syndrome.
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ALEX KUDRIN