Researchers believe that the specific gene, which has not yet been located, could account for about 2 percent of the variance in IQ, or about 4 IQ points and that multiple other genes may be involved in influencing general intelligence, in addition to the considerable role of environmental factors. Since it was published, the research has elicited considerable comment in letters to the editor of mainstream publications, such as the New York Times , attesting to its controversial nature. Scientists know that human genes, when confronted by an assault by genotoxins, microbes, or other agents, will rearrange themselves to make a new gene, different from the person's original genetic map. The damaged nucleic acids accumulate, it is theorized, increasing a person's risk for chronic illness. At some point, they hit a threshold, and disease occurs.
Further research is planned.
A copy of the letter with the supporting groups is included as part of this issue of the Hotline. The letter followed by about two weeks a meeting that had been held between three Nobel Laureates and the top leaders of the House and Senate subcommittees concerning the need for additional research funding. TGAC facilitated those meetings by handling the scheduling and other arrangements. This will be followed by the Foundation's 17th Annual Conference for families, which will be held July 10-12 at the Four Points Hotel in Raleigh. If you are not taking advantage of the benefits of TGAC membership, you should feel free to do so.