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Articles by R. Douglas Fields Ph.D
The Human Brain Owes Its Existence to a Prehistoric Pandemic
A retroviral infection is responsible for evolution of the human brain from chimpanzee ancestors. The viral DNA regulates genes that drive brain development. The viral DNA is not a gene, so it eluded researchers looking for genes responsible for human brain evolution. Source: R. Douglas Fields Seven million years ago, the evolution of humans and chimpanzees suddenly split from their common ancestor.
The Link Between IQ and Zip Code
Source: Dr Daniel Bell, Prof Frank Gaillard et al, Radiopaedia.org. License: CC BY NC ND 3.0 IQ is generally considered relatively stable throughout life. This supports the belief that intelligence is largely determined by genetics. From the time IQ tests were first devised in the 1920s to the present day, differences in IQ among people with different genetic backgrounds are evident. New research does not question these facts but instead shows that people have jumped to the wrong conclusions.
The Link Between IQ and Zip Code
Socioeconomic status is the prime factor in IQ, brain structure, and function. Differences in IQ, brain structure, and function are contaminated by failing to consider socioeconomic status. Environment affects many other traits, cognitive abilities, brain anatomy and function. IQ is generally considered relatively stable throughout life. This supports the belief that intelligence is largely determined by genetics.
Mental Illness Caused by ‘Gene Parasites’
Source: Kai Stachowiak, CCO public domain Could a viral infection you experience today cause mental health disorders for generations of your descendants? Absolutely. Many psychological disorders are driven by a viral infection in prehistoric times that disrupted DNA and has been passed down through generations. Viruses survive as genetic parasites because they must infect healthy cells to reproduce.
Mental Illness Caused by ‘Gene Parasites’
Ancient viral DNA, or ERVs, make up 8% of the human genome and disrupt gene regulation. Viral DNA inserted into the genome of our ancestors can drive many mental illnesses for generations. ERVs are linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and ALS. Could a viral infection you experience today cause mental health disorders for generations of your descendants? Absolutely.
One Letter Change in DNA Can Reverse Sex
Source: Anna Langova /Publicdomainpictures Most people know that a baby’s sex is determined by whether it inherits an X or a Y chromosome from its father. Inheriting a Y chromosome normally produces male offspring. Not necessarily, according to a new study. This recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications and led by Nitzan Gonen of Bar-Ilan University, reports that changing only one letter of the 2.8 billion letters in DNA reverses the sex of mice.
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