Our genes influence more than just our raw intelligence and problem-solving abilities. The latest discoveries in the genetics of intelligence are showing how our DNA shapes how we learn, our educational attainment, occupational success, and even our health outcomes. Genetic research is revealing the deep connections between inherited cognitive capacities and multiple aspects of life. …
Criminal behavior has complex origins. While social and psychological factors play a clear role, a growing body of research suggests biological factors also influence criminality. Here’s what the science says so far about the biology underlying criminal behavior. Key Facts: Genetics account for 40-60% of variance in antisocial behavior. Environmental factors also play a role. …
Obesity has reached epidemic levels globally, with serious health and economic consequences. While lifestyle factors play a key role, genetics also influence a person’s susceptibility to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. An emerging field called pharmacogenomics is uncovering how genetics impacts response to medications that cause weight gain as a side effect, as well …
Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, may impact health across multiple generations. New research suggests phthalate exposure in one generation can lead to adverse effects in subsequent generations through changes in gene regulation. This raises concerns that the public health impacts of phthalates may be more extensive than …
Alzheimer’s disease continues to destroy minds, but new gene editing techniques like CRISPR offer hope for better understanding and treating this devastating illness. Key Facts: Alzheimer’s disease is a complex, poorly understood neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 50 million people worldwide. Gene mutations play a role in early-onset Alzheimer’s, but late-onset Alzheimer’s involves a more complex …
New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep deprivation. Modafinil reduced sleepiness and theta brain waves during wakefulness regardless of genetics. Modafinil did not reduce slow …
Humans and other complex organisms face a constant barrage of new harmful genetic mutations, yet somehow manage to persist and evolve despite this mutational load. New research reveals how populations can survive this onslaught through a delicate balancing act between bad and good mutations. Key Facts: Each person inherits around 2-10 new harmful mutations from …
Intelligence predicts health and mortality – but why? New research reveals some genes are implicated in both. Key facts: Intelligence test scores predict mortality, illnesses, and health behaviors. Higher scores indicate lower risk. Both intelligence and health/disease outcomes are highly polygenic – many genetic variants of small effect contribute. Genetic correlations exist between intelligence and …
General intelligence, known as g or IQ, has long been the focus of cognitive genetics research. But what about more specific cognitive abilities, the building blocks that make up IQ? A sweeping new meta-analysis of over 740,000 twins surprisingly suggests: Specific cognitive abilities (SCA) like reading, math and processing speed are just as heritable as …
A new study examining the family trees of over 400,000 people in England over the past 400 years suggests that rates of social mobility have remained remarkably static despite massive societal changes. The research implies that an individual’s social status is strongly influenced by genetic factors that are passed down through families for generations. Key …
