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A person's intelligence depends on genes
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Experts from King's College London have discovered for the first time a gene that is responsible for genius. This gene has the ability to link brain density and intelligence. In their new research project, the scientists studied the cerebral cortex, which is necessary for perception, attention, thinking, memory, and language abilities. In earlier studies, it was possible to establish that the density of the cerebral cortex is directly related to mental abilities, but it was a discovery for scientists that genes are responsible for the density of the cortex.
In their new study, the scientists analyzed DNA samples and magnetic resonance imaging scans from more than 1,500 14-year-olds. They also administered tests that assessed the participants' intelligence.
As a result, specialists identified a genetic variation that is associated with the exchange of information between neurons (synaptic plasticity). Thanks to this, scientists will be able to better understand what happens in mental anomalies.
Scientists analyzed more than 54,000 genetic variations that had a potential connection with brain development. As it turned out, teenagers who had such gene variants had a thinner cortex in the left hemisphere of the brain, especially in the temporal and frontal areas. Such a genetic variation influenced the activity of the NPTN gene, which affects the exchange of information between cells in the brain, as well as synapses.
All the scientists' conclusions are confirmed by the analysis of the NPTN gene in the brain of rodents and humans. As it turned out, the gene's manifestation in the left and right hemispheres is different. That is why the left hemisphere is more susceptible to the effects of the gene mutation. Scientists explain the differences between mental abilities in people by the reduced function of the gene in some parts of the brain in the left hemisphere. The genetic variant discovered by the research group has a ratio of only 0.5% with general variants in intelligence.
According to experts, genius is nothing more than the ability of the human brain to process information. The activity of the NPTN gene affects the increase in mental activity, and is also responsible for the density of gray matter. Silvana Desivier, who headed this research project, noted that they were faced with the task of determining the cause of differences between people with different mental abilities. As a result, the group of scientists came to the conclusion that high intelligence depends on the exchange of information between brain cells, which is influenced by the NPTN gene.
Scientists have repeatedly tried to artificially influence the birth of a genius child. For example, in China there is an entire clinic whose activities are aimed at genetic engineering.
Earlier studies by another research group from the UK were able to identify a happiness gene that is responsible for mood. People with low levels of this hormone are more susceptible to depression and pessimism.