New evidence for 'IQ' genes

A team of US researchers claims it has uncovered new evidence for several genes involved in the development of human intelligence. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers say they have identified unique genetic differences in DNA from 200 of the cleverest children in America. The results are due to be published next year.

'I think we need to recognise that genetic influences are important and that we will find genes for intelligence' said team leader Professor Robert Plomin. 'Each may account for a small piece of the action but together they give us a significant source of prediction for intelligence' he added.

Right-wing thinker Charles Murray, author of the controversial book 'The Bell Curve', believes the study shows that social policies will have to be changed. 'We've had people saying that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is virtually all determined by the environment and we can change it by the proper social interventions and a whole bunch of other things that simply aren't true' he told the BBC's Newsnight programme last week.

But Professor Plomin argues that rather than supporting right-wing policies, his findings could eventually enable left-wing policy-makers to direct resources towards those children who need them most. 'You could continue with the comfortable view that assumes people are blank slates on which the environment writes. But surely it is better to know the truth' he said.