Geneticists poured mud
Siberian scientists: "There is no crime gene"
Diana Khomyakova, "Science in Siberia"
Information has spread in the media that future criminals will be identified in Novosibirsk schools with the help of genetic testing. In fact, the goals of the project in question are completely different. Its authors argue that conclusions about the propensity for crime cannot be made on the basis of any genetic analysis. The situation was commented on by the scientific consultant of the project, head of the interinstitutional sector of Molecular Epidemiology and Human Evolution of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Doctor of Medical Sciences Vladimir Nikolaevich Maksimov.
According to the researchers, the project of the program "Psychogenetics of deviant behavior of adolescents in educational institutions" is aimed primarily at improving the work of school psychologists. Another goal is to get an answer to the question: will knowledge about certain genetic characteristics of a child help to correct his behavior; to assess the willingness and interest of parents, psychologists, educational institutions in using such approaches.
The authors of the project are the municipal institution of additional professional education of Novosibirsk "City Center of Education and Health "Magister"" and LLC "VedaGenetika". The study also involved students of Novosibirsk State Medical University studying in the specialty "clinical psychology". It is supported and approved for implementation by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Novosibirsk region. As a pilot project, the program is being implemented in 2020-2021 on the basis of several schools in Novosibirsk, for students of grades 5-11. Participation in it is strictly at the request of students and parents. The cost of conducting a genetic study for the project participants is 600 rubles per gene. The work of psychologists of the MCU DPO "GCOiZ "Master"" is carried out within the framework of budget financing.
"There is scientific evidence that certain genetic characteristics may slightly affect adaptation to social conditions, choice of profession, temperament. However, as always, the gap between this data and practice is very large. There are researchers who work with genes. There are students who have some problems with socialization, academic performance. There are psychologists who work with them, but not always successfully. Why not try to attract information about genetics to solve existing problems? This project is an attempt to put scientific knowledge into practice and at the same time a kind of experiment, because no one has ever done this before. The ultimate goal is to increase the effectiveness of the psychologist's work with the student, taking into account such a parameter as data on the genetic characteristics of the latter in addition to the data obtained through psychological testing, interviews," says Vladimir Maksimov.
Three of the most studied genes were selected for the study, the interconnectedness of which with certain personality traits has been repeatedly shown in world scientific research. "Of course, these are not some "criminal genes", but variants of the norm. A single gene or polymorphism cannot completely determine human behavior. But in large groups, some patterns are still visible," the scientist says. – For example, it is known that carrying a certain genotype predisposes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. How are such conclusions drawn? This genotype is studied in a group of healthy children and in a group of children with these abnormalities. Suppose it turns out that in a group of healthy children, only 10% are carriers of it, and in a group with deviations – 25%. So scientists conclude that carriers of this genotype are 2-2.5 times more likely to develop hyperactivity and ADD. However, we are talking only about probability, because 10% of children from the first group did not have anything like this."
In addition, much depends on which way the existing potential will be directed. So, certain genotypes are often found in children with antisocial behavior, but, on the other hand, they also prevail in successful athletes, the military. "A genetic trait by itself does not solve anything. That's the advantage of this project, that the psychologist knows the child from other sides. Information about genetic features is just an additional tool in his arsenal. They may explain some behavioral difficulties. Perhaps, based on this knowledge, it will be possible to better choose methods of working with a specific child," says Vladimir Maksimov.
How effective the project will be will be seen over time. According to the scientist, the main stage of the work was supposed to be completed last year, but the pandemic prevented its implementation. The first concrete results are planned to be received no earlier than the beginning of the next academic year.
PS: It was mentioned in the media that the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS is also involved in this project. However, the Institute noted that IHBFM SB RAS does not participate in this project.
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