Nature/Nurture

Zach Schlesinger and Alex KagawaProfessor Mills Psychology 100

Fall 2008

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture.

Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Introduction: Determining Nature vs. Nurture

• Molecular evidence• Environment influences on genes• Help for schizophrenia and depression• Epigenetics• Occur in primitive and mature cells• Genetic chemistry influenced by environment

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Schizophrenia and Depression

• Better explained with epigenetics• Discovered teens and young adults• “Something happens during puberty…”• Not a mutant gene • People with schizophrenia -- reduction of

gene’s activity and an increase in the activity of a gene that promotes molecular attachments to DNA

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Depression and Epigenetics

• Experiment: Small mouse and large aggressive mouse

• Molecules changed in DNA• Anti-depressants

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Maternal Influence on Genes

• Less licked and groomed = FEAR• Molecular changes • Changes in mature cells, not just fetal cells• Affects of parenting

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

New Ideas

• New technologies• Improved knowledge of epigenetics• Better understanding of Nature/Nurture• Long time

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Critical Review

• Interesting points: Epigenetics, Anti-depressants in rats Licking changing molecules in genes • Other points: Schizophrenia research Applying to humans More experiments

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

Test Questions

Steinberg, Douglas (2006). Determining Nature vs. Nurture. Scientific American Mind, October/November 2006, 12 – 14.

1. Can drugs or psychotherapy or other environmental interventions alleviate human disorders that are largely caused by genes? a. No b. Yes c. Epigenetics is beginning to address these issues. 2. Scientists believe that molecular changes that determine the proteins that influence behavior: a. Only happen in primitive cells in embryonic or fetal development b. Only happen in the mature cells of children or adults c. Now believe they happen in both primitive and mature cells3. Epigenetics: a. Is the study of how tiny molecules may or may not stick to genes that generate proteins that help humans cope b. Is the basis for some studies of rats and depression c. May explain some of how the environment impacts the chemistry of genes d. All of the above4. Schizophrenia and Depression may be influenced by the environment. (T/F)5. Proteins help a rat’s brain adapt to stress or hostile environments. (T/F)6. This article proves that a mother’s parenting style does not affect the activity of a child’s genes that create proteins which impact human behavior. (T/F)