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"Even If Genes Affect Intelligence, We Can't Engineer…
"Even If Genes Affect Intelligence, We Can't Engineer Cleverness" - Jim Kozubek
Analysis Of Genes
Analysis of genes has revealed that fifty-two genes are connected too human intelligence, but it has also been discovered that any variables in those genes only account for a small fraction of a single point of intelligence
Fifty two genes have been linked to intelligence, so a combination of manipulation of the genes could theoretically engineer 'cleverness'
Danielle Posthuma, a geneticist at the VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam says 'theres a long way to go' before scientists can predict or engineer intelligence. Therefore these reports are only in the early phases so the accuracy of the information is incredibly questionable
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'Elite' Genes
To create the notion that there is such thing as elite genes is a mistake, as having varieties of genes is crucial to the survival of humankind. This is known as 'balancing selection' a term coined by Richard Lewontin and John Hubby to explain the phenomena of genes that are 'sub-optimal' being retained in the human genome. What it means is that the body keeps diversity as a way of protecting itself.
There are two copies of genes in our chromosomes, which is a way that evolution can retain a gene that is tested and has proven to be beneficial, while 'trialing' a new gene that could have potential problems but also be beneficial.
To apply this to our current topic would mean that any genes that are beneficial to 'intelligence' are only that way because they are parasitic-like and have taken utilities from other genes to further themselves.
Evolution
Evolution has millennia to determine the correct paths to follow, develop models that work and refine any kinks. Currently the only thing that geneticists can do regarding intelligence is to create what the perfect 'biological network' would look like and operate like. However we don't have the perfect biological network, ours is far more complex.
Eventually evolution reaches it's peak in some areas, or has reached a point where it is impossible to improve upon some features. Humans have already reached a level of complexity that is almost impossible to reverse engineer or replicate in any way.
Known as 'complexity catastrophe' a point is reached in a species where the role of natural selection in the evolution of genes is severely diminished, as the genes are so carefully interlinked that any changes become nigh impossible, and thus so does evolution.
Author Case Study
The author wishes that he could claim that writer was written into his DNA, but he knows this is a falsehood. Writers may share different traits that make them better writers, but he also knows that they also make them more susceptible to psychological traits that are a distinct disadvantage.
Writers often exhibit neuroticism and in some cases almost relentless self examination, both can consequently be self-destructive.