By Larry Greenemeier A common misconception about inventing is that it’s a trait a person is born with, like blue eyes. You either have the invention gene or you don’t. Not so, says IBM quantum computing researcher Baleegh Abdo. “Invention involves critical thinking and asking the right questions,’’ he says, “as well as the desire to solve problems and innovate—a set of skills that can be nurtured over time through hard work and persistence.” Abdo would know.