Reaction Range Theory

    The Reaction Range Theory states that genetics determine the range of possible heights, weights, IQs, etc. a person can exhibit (known as the reaction range), while environmental factors such as nutrition and disease determine the height, weight, IQ, etc. within the range. The scope of environmental factors that impact certain traits are dependent on the traits themselves; there is very little environmental influence on eye color, but there is a vast number of environmental factors that influence abstract reasoning.

    The Nature v. Nurture argument is unproductive in this case. One does not dominate the other. Both serve important roles in determining a person's phenotype.

    Person A's genetic IQ limits are 90 and 120. If person A grew up in a high quality, nurturing environment, he will reach closer to the top of his genetic potential (120). Person B's genetic IQ limits are 120 and 150. If person B grew up in a low quality environment, he will reach closer to the bottom of his genetic potential (120).

    The obvious counterexample to this theory is obesity. We are not genetically predisposed to weigh over 400 pounds. This theory supports most, but not all traits.




Links:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341646/

https://cdn.auckland.ac.nz/assets/education/about/research/docs/FOED%20Papers/Issue%206/ACE_Paper_9_Issue_6.doc

Your Genetics Can Cause You to Gain Weight

 

Studies have shown that genetics can cause you to be obese. Certain genes can cause you to be able to carry more fat cells. This means that you are more likely to gain fat and it makes the fat harder to lose. Studies have also shown that genetics are NOT the only factor in weight gain, but it has shown to be a big influence. I think that if your parents are more prone to weight gain and have more fat cells in their body then you would also be more likely to gain weight and hold on to fat.

https://babainvesting.com/sylvester-stallones-struggles/#:~:text=June%2020%2C%202020%20BabaInvesting.com%20Rags%20to%20Riches%201.,I%20personally%20remember%20getting%20frustrated%20with%20the%20process. 

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-much-your-genes-impact-your-ability-to-lose-weight 

Obesity Genes? Fried Foods Worse for Some People

Researchers have discovered that certain genes allow for enhanced effects on fried food. The higher the genetic risk of obesity, the greater fried food affected their BMI. The study was conducted with 37,000 men and women. For women in the study, this obesity person was approximately 6 pounds heavier. The main findings encourages those that are obese to truly stay away from fried foods because they are more susceptible to the weight gain due to the genes. The study did find that whether you have the genes that lead to higher risks of obesity or not, you should still not consume increased amounts of fried foods because your health will be negatively effected. Researchers did note that their are other factors that play a role in obesity but this study did not particularly look at them. 

I really liked this article for the information they found. I found it interesting that at the end a professor from the Nutrition Department at Harvard Lu Qi says "In the future, it may be possible to tailor diet recommendations for people based on their genes." I think this idea could really go a long way, considering your genes are what make you up to be unique from the next individual. Because we are all made differently, I think that diets tailored per person can have a greater effect on results.

Main Article: http://www.livescience.com/44180-fried-food-genes-obesity-risk.html

Longevity in Brandt's Bat

The Brandt's bat is a species of bats that only weighs four to 8 grams as an adult. However, it can live to more than 40 years. Usually, small animals live short lives, however, this species says otherwise. This species of bat has the greatest disparity between its weight and longevity. Researchers became interested in this species and published an article revealing insights on the longevity of the bat. Through gene sequencing and genome comparison, specific sequence changes in the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) receptors along with their adaptations like hibernation and low reproductive rate are seen to contribute to the bat's longevity. On a molecular level, the altered sequences in the GH and IGF1 are only sequences seen (as of right now) to have the strongest relationship to longevity.

Brandt's Bat

The fountain of youth, immortality, and extending life had always been a fascinating when I was growing up. Sure, immortality is still out of the question, but gene sequencing has brought aging under a whole new light. With genetics, the potential for slowing aging and extending life are now plausible. This research could lead to many revolutionary changes while also spring forth a whole variety of ethical concerns. Many issues that could be brought up may regard sustainability, the economy, and the future of aging. For future possible studies, a plan should be devised to use techniques based on gene regulation in order to extending life in other species of bat, or even other mammals.