The ID Report
Post details: Identical twins: The differences explored
10/05/09
Identical twins: The differences explored
by Denyse O'Leary
ARN correspondent
We are told (in a Nova program, Ghost in your Genes, October 16, 2007) ,
Scientists have long puzzled over the different fates of identical twins: both have the same genes, yet only one may develop a serious disease like cancer or autism. What's going on? Does something else besides genes determine who we are? In this program, NOVA reveals the clues that have led scientists to a new picture of genetic control and expression. One such clue is the surprisingly modest number of genes that turned up when technology made it possible to map the human genome. The Human Genome Project was originally expected to find at least 100,000 genes defining the human species. Instead the effort yielded only about 20,000 - about the same number as in fish or mice - too few, some believe, to account for human complexity. Learn more about the connection between epigenetics, aging, and cancer on the program's companion website."What's going on? Does something else besides genes determine who we are?"
Um, yes. Here are three obvious observations right away:
- All we need to know about any life form is not necessarily in its DNA, as the program makes clear. Frustratingly, the true causes and cures of cancer and autism are controversial and clouded.
But our DNA is not a book of magic in which all the answers are written, and it is too bad if anyone thought it was.
- Identical twins may have almost-identical DNA, but usually one is the dominant twin and the other the sub-dominant one. Also, they tend to separate as adults and have different experiences. Over a lifetime, these differences can add up.
- Also, humans are intelligent and make choices. Different choices lead to different outcomes. The fact that anyone should doubt that this occurs and would be important is a symptom of the damage materialism (= you are either a robot or a monkey) has done to science.
See also Identical twins does not mean identical minds
Intelligence: How much is heredity and how much is environment
How much brain do you need?
Hat tip: Stephanie West Allen at Brains on Purpose
Also just up at The Mindful Hack:
Neuroscience: More "brain in a vat" talk
Religion: Does religious literacy matter?
Religion: Putting God on trial once again
Learning and self-esteem
Mental health: Use of psychiatry as torture
Neurolaw: Simulated study stirs debate
Toronto-based Canadian journalist Denyse O'Leary (www.designorchance.com) is the author of the multiple award-winning By Design or by Chance? (Augsburg Fortress 2004), an overview of the intelligent design controversy. She was named CBA Canada's Recommended Author of the Year in 2005 and is co-author, with Montreal neuroscientist Mario Beauregard, of The Spiritual Brain: A neuroscientist's case for the existence of the soul (Harper 2007).
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