Epigenetics and Education

This article on genetics and learning evaluates the connection between genetics and educational attainment. Educational attainment is the highest level of education completed by an individual. The author finds that the mental processes needed for learning are often genetic in nature. He directly challenges previous held idea about education and development stating:

"Children are not a simple tabula rasa, as once thought, since they are conditioned by their genome to an extent. The environment...is also a significant factor which can allow them to make the most of their capabilities..."

Genetics play a big role in who we become in every aspect of our lives. This, however, does not mean we are bound to it. Oddly enough, our environment is also not capable of completely masking or rewriting the traits we enter the world with. As far as education goes, genetics are the tools we begin our journey with, but our environment has the ability to sharpen or dull them. This author advocates for further research into the neurological functions behind learning and environmental impact on education Together these studies can be used to create flexable and personalized learning plans that improve student outcomes. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I believe it can be used to identify outdated and potentially harmful teaching practices.

Overall, I believe this information is very important to America and the world as a whole. Many people are unhappy with their schools systems, each having unique problems that can interfere with a students learning abilities. For example:

Do standardized tests contribute more to high achievement or competition and surface level engagement?

How has Americas history with school shooters changed the average students attitude towards school environments and education?

Gen Z is notoriously called lazy and uneducated, but is that the truth or do they no longer seek educational attainment in favor of more basic needs?

Hopefully, we will have the answers to some of our education questions in the near future and the ability to make the needed changes for everyones best interest!

Near-Sightedness Linked to Genetic Variants and Education Level

Researchers from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom conducted a genome-wide association study to understand how certain environmental and lifestyle factors influenced myopia. Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, or short-sightedness, affects the ability to see distant objects. Symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, squinting to see objects properly, as well as difficulty seeing objects that are far away. The researchers looked for genetic variations that may be linked to myopia in over 88,000 adults, using a standard eye test to determine whether participants had myopia. They found and identified 19 genetic variants that were found to be linked to different levels of severity of myopia.

The researchers also wanted to determine if there was a link between genetic variants, myopia, and the education level of individuals. Their results suggested that out of the 19 genetic variants, five were affected by education level. Two of the variants were previously linked to a study looking at myopia in individuals with east Asian ancestry. These genetic variants could help determine the risk of myopia in children in the future. The researchers also stated that more time in education is linked to more time indoors, which prevents individuals from spending time outdoors. Spending time outdoors may prevent myopia or stop its worsening. 

I found the article, and research itself, interesting because as an individual with glasses, it shows an insight into how my vision was affected by genetics and lifestyle/environmental factors. Although I’ve glasses since a young age, I know that the environmental factors in which I also grew up in, such as staying indoors and not going outside much, which worsened my vision. I also found it interesting how recent discoveries, such as this, brings a new light into how we can determine certain health conditions before it worsens. In the article, it stated that 30% of children with European ancestry developed myopia, while 80% of children with east Asian ancestry developed myopia, and I was curious about that. From previous knowledge, I know that east Asian education systems were much different than western systems, and wondered if that was a big factor into why the percentage difference was high.

Predicting which kids will succeed in school by their genes

According to researchers, there is a test that shows genetic likelihood as people grow up due to their specific combination of genetic variations. The test is known as the polygenic score; most scientists are using it to test the obesity and the cancer rate in patience. Due to the discovery of the effecting on life overtime chances, researchers have started to test the effect it has on academics in people.  With the polygenic score still being a relatively new tool, tests aren't as accurate, and mistakes do happen from time to time. The test is a prediction of what could happen, and it could change due to the environment around them. Many scientists and researchers have tried to find an answer for education and how genetic variations affect it, but no one fully knows how.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/new-way-predicting-which-kids-will-succeed-school-look-their-n1243152 

https://www.genome.gov/Health/Genomics-and-Medicine/Polygenic-risk-scores#:~:text=A%20polygenic%20risk%20score%20tells,for%20having%20coronary%20heart%20disease.

Epigenomic Assesment of Educational Prowess

A study published recently details the links between CpG methylation and Educational attainment, using 9 separate Cpg probes the analysis takes into account data of 27 other studies including testing of 10,767 people. There were two specific CpG probes that the study focused on and they are associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy.  both probes were tested in many polygenic methylation events and epigentetic clock events both suggested links to educational attainment but the researches state that the results may be due to other distal biological factors.

these results from the test show a weak link to the educational attainment of the individuals tested but with such a large sample size of over 10,000 people it can be forgivable , showing that there is a link but may not be able to prove it easily due to other biological factors being at hand, especially since on of the methylation triggers are from their mother smoking with them in the womb. more data needs to be collected ,possibly with different CpG probes.

link 1

link 2

Primary Care Pediatricians Avoid Genetics Examinations in Patient Care

A study published in Genetics in Medicine shows many pediatricians have a difficult time using genetics in their routine care. After research in multiple specialties, they have concluded the greatest obstacle is the doctors’ general ignorance in the field of genetic medicine. This is not surprising due to the exponential daily advancement in genetic information and technology. To solve this crucial situation, the best way is to educate primary physicians with a helpful guideline and educational system.  

This article stood out to me because I’m currently in the pre-medical concentration. I have heard stories of incompetent doctors and this news confirms my doubts. I understand physicians have extremely busy schedule; however, it is also important to keep up with recent research and discoveries to better their preventive and care practice. A doctor who never stops learning is one I will strive to become. 

Source article : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140911151653.htm

Secondary article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119130835.htm

Genes Play Role in Academic Achievement

Researchers at King's College London recently did a study on more than 11,000 pairs of twins that were born between the years of 1994 and 1996 to see how well they did in school. The researchers did not just focus on IQ, they also focused on 83 other traits that varied from happiness to health to how well they did in school or how hard they worked. The researchers then collected data on how well these twins did on the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exam because all students take this test in the UK to use in their admission to higher education.

The researchers found that nine general groups of traits were hereditary from looking at identical vs. nonidentical twins. These traits also correlated with performance on the GCSE. The team determined that about 62% of the individual differences in academic achievement could be attributed to genetic factors.
Academic achievement is influenced by genes that affect personality, motivation, confidence, and other traits that shape intelligence. This study can help find new ways to improve childhood education and find ways to teach kids through different techniques more suited to their genes and personalities. This study could help shape a new way for schools to run because it seems like the educational system is failing a lot of students nowadays. This can also lead to more research specifying which gene(s) go with which trait(s) and ways to help people without these genes or if there are ways around not having specific genes. This article was very interesting to me and the research could expand a lot more and become more specific which would lead to a lot of change in education.

Original Article: http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2014/10/genes-dont-just-influence-your-iq-they-determine-how-well-you-do-school

The Influences of Alleles and Environment on Education

Some of the most interesting research combines approaches from different fields of study to explain certain phenomena.  In July, a study relating academic achievement to genetics was published in the Developmental Psychology Journal from the American Psychological Association.  Researchers at Florida State University were trying to see if certain genes would influence whether or not a student would graduate from high school and attend college.  The researchers studied the DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4 genes.  The DAT1 gene encodes a protein that acts as a dopamine neurotransmitter.  The DRD2 and the DRD4 genes encode proteins that acts as dopamine receptors.  Dopamine is an important chemical found in the brain that may have an effect on certain behaviors such as motivation, sleep, violence, and cognitive ability.  Improper dopamine levels may cause the development of certain conditions such as ADHD.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="504" caption="Dopamine attaching to receptors."][/caption]

This study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health).  In 1995, Add Health began studying youths in middle school or high school through early adulthood (the study ended in 2008).  The participants’ DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4 genes were analyzed.  Each participant contained different alleles of the genes being studied.  An allele is the alternative form of the same gene.  The researchers found that test subjects with certain alleles obtained the highest levels of education.  However, having certain alleles does not guarantee graduation from college.  The environment (ie. financial status and prevalence of crime) plays a major factor in determining the level of education.

As a college student, it was interesting to learn that certain alleles may influence academic achievement.  Although there is not a gene for “getting good grades,” certain key aspects of learning such as motivation and attention are clearly controlled by the genes that regulate the levels of dopamine in the brain.  To benefit future students, more studies should be completed to learn about other genes that may affect learning and levels of academic achievement.