From: Alex Ramonsky (alex@ramonsky.com)
Date: Fri May 30 2003 - 14:19:09 MDT
Harvey Newstrom wrote:
>Brett Paatsch wrote,
>
>
>>"Only now is it dawning on scientists .... that learning itself
>>consists of nothing more than switching genes on and off "
>>......
>>
>>
>
>Meaning what? That we can change our DNA by mental concentration? That our
>DNA changes throughout life as we learn? That learned data are encoded in
>DNA and passed along to our children as some racial memory?
>
>To say this is "light" on science is an understatement! This piece seems to
>simply restate the old nature-vs-nurture debate, misunderstanding half of
>it, and presenting it as if it were some strange, new discovery. I don't
>see any new biological information in this piece. This seems to be basic
>genetics and environment. However, some of the statements and conclusions
>seem off-the wall.
>
>
Interesting...I took it as meaning several things; (1) As we learn what
they are, we can deliberately alter gene transcription factors for
specific enhancement of certain processes, or inhibition of certain
processes, (2)
We have already been altering gene transcription factors accidentally by
our lifestyles and possibly thus making it harder for ourselves to learn
things, (3) We _could_ have been accidentally altering such factors in a
big way, and will soon find out what the repercussions have been, and
(4) Everything from our behavior to our thoughts to our lifespan can be
radically altered by these factors.
I would think therefore that Ridley's ideas are worth at least
consideration?
I haven't actually _read_ the book to which this refers yet, but to
quote an old saying, 'Never read a book before reviewing it; it
prejudices the mind so' : )
AR
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