GENES & BEHAVIOUR

Nature not Nurture
23 January 2008

	Adam Nield pledges his support for the Omega Package
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Following the recent launch of the Omega screening package, there has been much debate as to whether it is our natural genetic make-up or indeed, our environment, background and upbringing, which determines our behaviour.

The Omega package, which is offered by Proteus Ltd, allows parents to choose a “more intelligent child”, from the series of available embryos in IVF treatment. This is achieved by a series of screening processes which identify specific gene spreads which indicate certain characteristics such as dexterity and intelligence.

There now seems to be general agreement among scientists that genes have, at least, an indirect effect on behaviour, even if environmental factors decide whether specific genes are expressed or not. Therefore, such genetic screening can give an indication of predilections towards different traits and types of behaviour.

However, there is also a strong argument that it is, in fact, the environment in which we live- that is, it is nurture and not nature that affects our general behaviour.

Social worker, Martin Cassidy, who, with his partner Adam is currently considering using the Omega package, still has his reservations about such screening. “Suppose there is more to it than just genetics, suppose it is all dependent on our background and our environment. Intelligence is such an objective concept- there are so many different types. I mean, our whole system is geared up to passing exams and doing well at school, but surely it’s more useful and takes just as much intelligence to fix cars or be a plumber or even cook. Anyway, surely the point of having a child is to love it whether it is an astronaut or just normal”

His partner, actor Adam Neald, is more supportive of the Omega programme. “It seems to me that in this day and age, children need every chance they can get. They have proved that genetics has at least some bearing on intelligence and so why not just pick the best embryo we can? We’ve got to pick one anyway, I just want to make sure the odds are stacked in our favour.