TITLE
Scientists Identify Genes Linked to Dyslexia
DESCRIPTION
This is a short interesting article that focuses on the problem of dyslexia and possible links to genes. “Millions of Americans have dyslexia, a language-based learning disability that makes reading and spelling more difficult. Studies have suggested that the condition runs in families, but no research had determined which genes are linked to it. Now, in the largest genome-wide association study on dyslexia, scientists have pinpointed 42 genetic variants correlated with the disability. They published their findings last week in Nature Genetics.” The article focuses specifically on studies that have looked at people who have the disorder and analyzed their genetics. Also, the reader should consider the nature-nurture issue when reading the article, in that it clearly states that the early life environment is important as well in the understanding of dyslexia and similarly related cognitive issues.
SOURCE
Smithsonian Magazine, October 26, 2022, by Margaret Osborne
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/3vkbvm2h
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
•What is dyslexia? How does it manifest in children and adults? According to the article, how prevalent is the disorder?
•What are the research findings regarding genetic variants and dyslexia?
•How would you explain the nature-nurture issue if a parent of a child who has dyslexia asks if the disorder is inherited?
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