Is there an intelligence gene?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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It has long been known that most human abilities are genetically determined, and it is not for nothing that we continually use the well-known quotes "all to mother" or "father's copy" when we find any similarities in a person.
A new study of scientists led by psychology professor Christopher Chabris of the University of Illinois states that most of the genes that were thought to depend on intellect, in fact, do not have an effect on the person's IQ. To reveal the specific genetic roots on which the level of human thinking ability depends, scientists will need some time, but experts are firmly convinced that there is no such thing as a "mind gene".
The results of the study are published in the online version of the journal Psychological Science.
Professor Chabris, in collaboration with Harvard professor David Leibson, an American economist, one of the largest specialists in the field of neuroeconomics and behavioral economics, analyzed twelve genetic links using a set of tests.
In almost every case of verification, the association of IQ with other genes was not detected.
"All our tests showed only a single link between the intellect and the genes, and this connection was very insignificant. But this does not mean that genes do not have any effect on the level of IQ. It is simply much more difficult to identify the influence of specific genes or specific genetic connections on the level of a person's thinking abilities and thus understand the nature of these differences, "says Professor Chabris.
Previous studies had shortcomings primarily because of the limited technological possibilities, because they could not study enough areas of the genome.
Experts emphasize that scientists who conducted research earlier used the technologies available at that time, as well as the knowledge accumulated at that time, on the basis of which conclusions were drawn, and therefore it is impossible to state unequivocally their unprofessionalism or mistakes.
Professor Chabris says that further study of the role of genes in the process of formation of human thought processes is necessary.
"As in the case of the physiological characteristics of man, for example, growth, which is directly dependent on hundreds and thousands of genes, one can not deny the influence of genetics on mental abilities, but not only the process in which specific genes are involved is important, how they interact, and also how their manifestations depend on the environment, "says Professor Chabris.
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