Tiny gene change affects brain size, IQ: scientists

Tiny gene change affects brain size, IQ: scientists
By Agence France-Presse
Sunday, April 15, 2012 13:50 EDT -- The Raw Story


Scientists were searching for a genetic explanation for brain disease and apparently discovered a gene variant that controls brain size.

The variant exists in people with large brains.

They say larger brains have a higher IQ.

Interesting technical article.

PARIS — An international team of scientists said Sunday the largest brain study of its kind had found a gene linked to intelligence, a small piece in the puzzle as to why some people are smarter than others.

A variant of this gene “can tilt the scales in favour of a higher intelligence”, study leader Paul Thompson told AFP, stressing though that genetic blessings were not the only factor in brainpower.

Searching for a genetic explanation for brain disease, the scientists stumbled upon a minute variant in a gene called HMGA2 among people who had larger brains and scored higher on standardised IQ tests.

Could gene therapy make all people think the same ??

Doesn’t this mean that peoples IQ's are tied in with their DNA? Meaning some babies are born smarter than others (child prodigies)

Thinking the same would require fine tuned cultural programming. Genetic and physiological engineering would up or downgrade inherent ability.

reply to post by Maddogkull


It's a major factor, but not the whole shebang. It seems to be about equally tied between genes and the environment.

reply to post by Maddogkull


Intelligence, and specifically brain size and neural connectivity, has always been genetically based. The wider variance you see in actual intelligence scores depends more on which genes get turned on and off and when/ how many times that occurs over the course of development. Not to mention the many environmental factors that help cross connect the neurons.

reply to post by Maddogkull


I like the way you think.

I would think they could be related though....

our knowledge of this kind of stuff is like that of a 4 year old child experiencing the world.

reply to post by Overstuffed


So it's not genetically based...your own post contradicts your first statement.

It's an interplay between genetic propensities and environmental stressors.