Scientist from several different universities in Australia
teamed up to research the influence that genes contribute in a person’s over
all intelligence as they age. The study
began when the researchers discovered a decades-old database in Scotland that
examined the intelligence of 1,940 individuals, who were 11 years of age when
first tested, and then retested at the age of 65, 70, or 79. A blood sample was also taken from each
individual for DNA analysis. This study
was unique because it is rare that researchers have accesses to intelligence
data from such a large group of unrelated individuals, from childhood to old
age. After analyzing half a million
genetic markers the scientist used a new statistical method to find genetic
similarities between the participants intelligence levels in both adolescence
and old age. The scientist concluded
that 24% of intelligence changes throughout a person’s lifetime could be
influenced by their genes, leaving the other 76% to be influenced by
environmental factors.
The Nature (genes) versus Nurture (environment) conflict has
always been a great debate among scientist. Most scientists have come to the
conclusion that both genes and the environment both play essential roles in
influencing the make up of our many diverse populations. I believe that this study could be the
foundation for future research for finding specific genes that effect how the
brain ages. Knowing the exact genes that
effect elderly peoples intelligence and overall brain functions due to disease,
such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s could lead to efficient treatment
for these diseases. This information could one day be of use in future healthcare
systems for countries such as China, whose population is rapidly aging due to
their low mortality rate and one child policy.
Even though this study appears to be a great door opener for future
healthcare, more studies like this one would take years and years to support
any efficient evidence. We also cannot
forget that it appears to be the environment that has the greatest influence on
us, which leads me to believe that more research geared towards the ever
changing environmental conditions due to humans would be time better
spent.
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