Intelligence is inherited in the family, but although scientists have so far identified about 20 genetic variants associated with intelligence, each of them accounts for only 1% of the variation in IQ tests.
Adaptation: Gilat Simon
Scientists still do not clearly understand how genes influence intelligence, but a new study moves the scientific community one step in that direction. An international group of scientists has identified a network of genes that may cause improved performance in IQ tests by being genes that affect the construction and isolation of connections in the brain.
Intelligence is inherited in the family, but although scientists have so far identified about 20 genetic variants associated with intelligence, each of them accounts for only 1% of the variation in IQ tests. Because the effects of these genes on the brain are so subtle, neuroscientist Paul Thompson of the University of California has devised a new, large-scale strategy to track the problem. In 2009, together with a partner, he founded the Enigma Network, an international consortium of researchers, who combined brain scans and genetic data to study brain structure and function.
Earlier this year, Thompson and his colleagues reported that they had identified genetic variants associated with head size and the volume of the hippocampus, a structure in the brain whose function is essential in learning and memory processes. One of the variants also had a weak connection to intelligence. People carrying this variant scored an average of 1.29 points higher on IQ tests than other variants, making the gene one of the leading candidates in the search for intelligence genes.
In the current research The researchers used the same strategy to identify more genetic variants that have a connection to brain structure and IQ. In the new study, they analyzed brain imaging and whole-genome data from 472 Australians, including 85 pairs of identical twins, 100 pairs of non-identical twins, and non-twin siblings. They identified 24 genetic variants in six different genes, and all were linked to differences in the structural integrity of central pathways in the brain. "We measured the degree of isolation of neural pathways" says Thompson. "The degree of isolation affects the speed at which nerve impulses are routed in the brain. If the pathways are not insulated enough, the brain functions less efficiently and its resistance to diseases is lower."
Many of the genes identified were already known, but "many are not identified as genes related to structural integrity in the brain" says Thompson. He adds that the genes "help create cell membranes and bonds" in pathways involved in spatial abilities and memory, which allow us to store information for short periods of time while performing mental tasks.
Another finding that the researchers discovered is that some variants are also found in intelligence. Individuals carrying these variants did better on standard IQ tests and scored above average. It seems that the variants increase each other's effect, so that an individual carrying more than one variant provides a synergistic boost to his IQ - this was published by the researchers in the Journal of Neuroscience. "We found a whole range of genetic variants that influence the impact of other variants," says Thompson, "and we are beginning to understand the guiding principles of these gene networks."
The researchers used very sophisticated methods that simplified the statistical calculations involved in the study by identifying gene networks versus individual variants, says Silvia Franchini, a human geneticist at the University of St. Andrews in England, who was not involved in this study but tested the robustness of the design of the experiments. Franchini says that the number of participants was relatively small for this type of research. "I would like to see a repetition of the findings with evidence obtained from larger samples of participants."
Epidemiologist Sarah Medland from the Queensland Medical Research Institute in Australia adds a warning: most large genetic studies reproduce the results using existing data, but not in the current study - there is no such repetition here. This may be because there are no other suitable data. Medland says she knows of only one other study that collected IQ scores and similar brain imaging data.
10 תגובות
This is how the chances of extinction develop.
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Everyone will agree to the definition, that in nature as there are features and characteristics that are more suitable for the environment, the chances of survival are greater.
In the human world this is a very inclusive and simplistic definition. Not sure that among the successful in politics, science, music, the army and business. You can find some clear common denominator, in the world of gardens or in any field
another physical. And it does not seem that those who are successful reproduce more than others.
What's more, in terms of the ability to survive and breed, humans are much inferior to hundreds of types of creatures on earth such as: viruses, bacteria.
It is important to take into account that as there is more progress and decline there are more and more existential dangers for humanity.
Therefore a paradox, as the abilities to survive develop
several questions:
1) Is there indeed a clear connection between IQ and genes?
2) Is it possible to control the IQ by controlling the genes?
3) Is a high IQ a desirable trait in terms of adaptation to the environment?
I think the answers are:
1) Although there is a connection, it is still not clear what the connection is. At the moment humanity is still in the process of searching for the answer as to what exactly this connection is.
2) After we know exactly what the connection is, it will be possible to control this feature. It would be possible in principle to make everyone have a high IQ. Of course, this will require legislation. Legislation that will guarantee the right of every person to a high IQ.
3) If this trait were a desirable trait, it would be found in the majority of the population.
Just like most zebras are striped. Most giraffes have long necks. Most camels have humps. And so on.
Any trait that is essential for survival spreads very quickly among the population.
The trait called "high IQ" is no different from other traits regarding the speed of its spread among the population.
To Ernest:
There is no doubt that IQ tests were invented by people living in a certain culture.
Why it is similar:
Suppose fish were to pass IQ tests.
So all the land animals would get lower grades in flaming than the fish.
Why?
Because a significant part of the test will deal with skills related to water.
But the fish experts who invented the test will strongly argue that the test is for everyone and is in no way biased in favor of marine animals.
In addition to the fact that it is possible to prepare, and that it does not suit every culture and that it tests a certain part of the skills,
There is another point, the tests are held in "sterile" conditions that do not exist in everyday reality.
You can come mentally prepared, not tired, not hungry, no noise, no physical effort, no dangers, no struggles, and more
Many things that exist in my life today.
I estimate that there is no correlation between financial, political and military successes and the level of IQ
Does anyone know if Einstein's children are still alive? Were they geniuses too? What is their IQ?
To Ernest:
Through prior knowledge and proper preparation, IQ scores can be improved very significantly.
If someone answers an intelligence test several times (for the same test) he will surely significantly increase his result.
If someone solves different intelligence tests, he will increase his ability to answer any intelligence test even if he has not seen this specific test before.
why?
Because the ideas that form the basis of the questionnaire repeat themselves. After you answer several times, you get used to the way of thinking that underlies the questions. When you get used to it, you recognize the required answers much faster and much more confidently.
I think this research is inherently charlatan. IQ tests (in addition to what Ernst Maali said), they are not accurate tests at a point accuracy level (1.2%!) so we can say that so-and-so has more intelligence than an unknown person because he scored a point or two more than him. As I imagine, up to ten points the result is considered an acceptable margin of error.
Please conduct a large-scale test (thousands, not hundreds) and see if the result remains, or if it is just a mistake in the unreliable test result.
(Of course, we have not yet entered the endless discussion of the usual statistical error, which cannot be avoided, but it is not terrible).
As far as I know, quite a few researchers and scientists claim that the IQ test tests only a part of intellectual ability
And it is not adapted to the variety of different cultures that exist. Yes, there is a claim that it is possible to improve the results of the tests by proper preparation and prior knowledge.