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> As Plomin writes: “We now know that DNA differences are the major systematic source of psychological differences between us. Environmental effects are importa

> As Plomin writes: “We now know that DNA differences are the major systematic source of psychological differences between us. Environmental effects are important but what we have learned in recent years is that they are mostly random – unsystematic and unstable – which means that we cannot do much about them.” I'm not sure what to read in the implied statement that we can do something about genes

dash2 8y ago
The famous example is myopia. Myopia is very, very genetic (something like 70-80% heritable IIRC). But you can do something about it: wear spectacles. Genetic cause does not imply genetic cure.
- toasterlovin 8y ago
  At the same time, just because one thing which is caused by genetics is easily remedied, doesn’t mean others will be.
- jaggederest 8y ago
  Also, significant amounts of daytime sunlight exposure during childhood is a huge factor. https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/sunlight-exposure-reduces-myopia-in-children https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/sunlight-exposure-reduces...
- RealityVoid 8y ago
  Can you give a source for that? I remember reading something contradicting this statement and my own research into possible myopia causes seems to indicate environmental factors as the cause (but not conclusively). As a myopic person that has no one in my extended family suffering from it, I am very confused as to the possible causes.
  - dash2 8y ago
    Wikipedia seems to give the relevant cites.
microcolonel 8y ago
> I'm not sure what to read in the implied statement that we can do something about genes Gene therapies are a known quantity, as is genetic awareness (in mating). It is evident that, at least generationally, something ethically-sound an be done to change our genetic character. Of course, some people's minds will shift immediately to eugenic killing and sterilization, but I'm not sure why anyone would get the impression that the Guardian is (currently at least, though they do have an authoritarian bent at times so who knows) much for those things. I, for one, want to see the day when we edit out the "recurrent" nature of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

dash2 8y ago

The famous example is myopia. Myopia is very, very genetic (something like 70-80% heritable IIRC). But you can do something about it: wear spectacles. Genetic cause does not imply genetic cure.

toasterlovin 8y ago
At the same time, just because one thing which is caused by genetics is easily remedied, doesn’t mean others will be.
jaggederest 8y ago
Also, significant amounts of daytime sunlight exposure during childhood is a huge factor. https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/sunlight-exposure-reduces-myopia-in-children https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/sunlight-exposure-reduces...
RealityVoid 8y ago
Can you give a source for that? I remember reading something contradicting this statement and my own research into possible myopia causes seems to indicate environmental factors as the cause (but not conclusively). As a myopic person that has no one in my extended family suffering from it, I am very confused as to the possible causes.
- dash2 8y ago
  Wikipedia seems to give the relevant cites.

microcolonel 8y ago

> I'm not sure what to read in the implied statement that we can do something about genes Gene therapies are a known quantity, as is genetic awareness (in mating). It is evident that, at least generationally, something ethically-sound an be done to change our genetic character. Of course, some people's minds will shift immediately to eugenic killing and sterilization, but I'm not sure why anyone would get the impression that the Guardian is (currently at least, though they do have an authoritarian bent at times so who knows) much for those things. I, for one, want to see the day when we edit out the "recurrent" nature of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.