"Dumbness" gene found...

Hivetyrant · 12-08-2005, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Gene variant may depress IQ of males
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.03.2005

DALLAS — Scientists in North Carolina say they have identified a gene that affects IQ, a finding that, if confirmed, would be a significant step toward understanding the genetic basis for intelligence.
The new research could also have ethical implications because the effect of the gene appears to be quite dramatic: The scientists say that males who inherit a particular version of the gene have, on average, an IQ that is 20 points lower than males who don't.
"I have to admit, the ramifications of it are great," said Randy Jirtle, the Duke University biologist who led the new research, noting that current genetic-testing techniques can easily determine which males have that version.
However, he stressed that the IQ results in his research were based on a group average; individual males carrying the gene version had a wide range of IQ scores. While females also can carry the variation, it does not appear to affect their IQ, he said.
Jirtle reported the new findings last month at a scientific conference in Durham, N.C.
As early as the 1920s, research suggested that genetics play a key role in determining a person's mental capabilities.
But so far, connections between IQ and specific genes have been just correlations, with little supporting evidence. The new research, Jirtle and other experts said, will need to be replicated before it is considered definitive.
Jirtle's research centers on a gene identified as IGF2R, for type 2 insulinlike growth factor receptor. The gene governs the production of a protein that, among other jobs, affects cell growth. All people carry the gene, but some have a version with a slightly different code, Jirtle said. This variation, he and his colleagues found, correlates with a lower IQ.
The researchers studied about 300 children with an average age of 10. The children, all Caucasian, came from six counties in the Cleveland area. As a group, males — but not females — who had the variant gene had IQ scores about 20 points lower than males who didn't.

Kyrvias · 12-08-2005, 09:15 PM

Whoa! If that is true, then science has made a huge leap toward understanding human genetics!

Alas, Moral issues abound [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img]

shadowhound · 12-08-2005, 09:18 PM

Forget moral issues, this could be a step towards a higher intellegence for the human race. Wonder if those researchers have that gene? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Lord · 12-08-2005, 10:09 PM

now I know why...

Bungleau · 12-08-2005, 10:58 PM

Not bad... for a small sample size of one ethnic group from one urban population... more testing will be required, for certain.

Kyrvias · 12-08-2005, 11:33 PM

Indeed. could make the world smarter, or be used as a weapon to make people stupid...

"Stupidity Warfare"

Ilander · 12-09-2005, 12:54 AM

Isn't that what we already do???

VulcanRider · 12-09-2005, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kyrvias:

"Stupidity Warfare"

I WIN!!! I WIN!!! Er, uh, wait a minute...

12-08-2005, 09:18 PM	#3
shadowhound Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: November 24, 2001 Location: Australia Age: 37 Posts: 3,281	Forget moral issues, this could be a step towards a higher intellegence for the human race. Wonder if those researchers have that gene? [img]tongue.gif[/img] __________________ Carpe Noctem: Ph’nglui mglw’nafh cthulhu r’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn.

12-08-2005, 10:09 PM	#4
Lord Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: June 3, 2003 Location: New York Age: 39 Posts: 3,302	now I know why... __________________ "You're a thief and a liar." "No, I only lied about being a thief."

12-08-2005, 10:58 PM	#5
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	Not bad... for a small sample size of one ethnic group from one urban population... more testing will be required, for certain. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.

12-09-2005, 12:54 AM	#7
Ilander 20th Level Warrior Join Date: December 28, 2003 Location: Kentucky Age: 38 Posts: 2,820	Isn't that what we already do??? __________________ Is that what you really want to say?

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12-08-2005, 09:15 PM	#2
Kyrvias Lord Ao Join Date: May 15, 2005 Posts: 2,092	Whoa! If that is true, then science has made a huge leap toward understanding human genetics! Alas, Moral issues abound [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img]

12-08-2005, 11:33 PM	#6
Kyrvias Lord Ao Join Date: May 15, 2005 Posts: 2,092	Indeed. could make the world smarter, or be used as a weapon to make people stupid... "Stupidity Warfare"

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