Is intelligence genetic?

Genetic factors account for about 50% of intelligence formation, the rest is influenced by educational , nutritional, lifestyle and environmental factors.

This is the result of a number of studies in the world on the relationship between genetic genes and intelligence, according to Pharmacist I, Master of Testing Do Ba Tung, Head of Microbiology Department, Le Van Thinh Hospital (HCMC).

Intelligence is defined in many ways, including the ability to reason, abstract, understand, self-aware, learn, have emotional intelligence, remember, plan, and solve problems. It is a complex trait, with many ways to measure it, and its levels vary between people, genders, races, and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Research published in 2017 by the Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology (UK) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (UK) showed that intelligence is highly heritable and can predict a person's success in education, work and society.

Researchers compared the differences and similarities in IQ scores of 294,000 genes from children in a family, twins, adopted children and biological children... in 4 years (2013-2017). The results showed that the heritability of human intelligence is estimated at about 50%. Researchers determined a person's success based on differences in genetic sequences that account for 20% of the 50% of the heritability of intelligence.

According to scientists, intelligence, which includes the ability to learn, reason, and solve problems, is at the forefront of behavioral genetic research. Differences in inherited DNA are responsible for the differences in intelligence test scores from one person to another.

Smart children can be due to genetics and good education. Photo: Freepik — Smart children can be due to genetics and good education. Photo: *Freepik*

A 2017 study from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Netherlands) and several other schools also found that intelligence is determined by both environment and genes. Researchers analyzed intelligence test scores and the complete genomes of more than 78,000 people. They concluded that there is no single “IQ gene,” but at least 22 specific genes linked to intelligence.

For example, the genes BDNF, PLXNB2, XPTR, KIBRA... influence the formation of intelligence. The BDNF gene provides instructions for making a protein found in the brain and spinal cord called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The BDNF protein acts at the connections between nerve cells (synapses), where cell-to-cell communication occurs. It helps regulate synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory, and is linked to the formation of intelligence.

According to researchers, not all people are born with a certain level of intelligence that cannot be changed. There are many other factors at play, of which genes are only one factor in the formation and change of intelligence levels. A gene related to intelligence does not completely determine whether a person will do well on an IQ test.

They also argue that achieving high scores in these areas requires optimizing these factors and taking care of your health, rather than just hoping for good DNA. Everyone is born with different genes related to intelligence, but making the most of those genes depends on the individual.

Master Tung believes that intelligence does not determine a person's success. IQ is often used to assess high or low intelligence. A person with a high IQ often has the ability to reason, reason, plan, solve problems, learn abstract thinking and understand complex ideas better.

"Parents should raise their children scientifically, have a healthy lifestyle, and proper nutrition from pregnancy and during the upbringing process so that their children can develop optimal intelligence," said Master Tung.

Mai Cat

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