Half of Our Genes Influence Math and Reading Skills: Study

Human genes play an important role in determining math and reading skills, finds a study.

Genetics say children inherit their parents' intellectual abilities and skills. A new research by the University of Oxford and King's College London suggests people's reading and math skills are influenced by half of their genes. The experts used records of 12-year-olds from 2,800 families who had taken part in the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) to assess the link between genetics and cognitive skills.

The participants involved both twins and unrelated children who undertook tests that measured their reading comprehension, verbal fluency and math skills. The genetic data of the subjects was compared with the test results. It was found there was a notable overlap in genetic variants that influence math and reading.

"We looked at this question in two ways, by comparing the similarity of thousands of twins, and by measuring millions of tiny differences in their DNA. Both analyses show that similar collections of subtle DNA differences are important for reading and maths. However, it's also clear just how important our life experience is in making us better at one or the other. It's this complex interplay of nature and nurture as we grow up that shapes who we are," said Oliver Davis, co-author and researcher at the University College London, in a news release.

However, the research did not identify specific genes associated to literacy or numeracy. But, it helps explain how even small variations in genetic factors can have an effect on attributes like learning abilities and learning disorders. The genetic differences among children help justify why some are able to read better and solve math problems easily while others just struggle.

"Children differ genetically in how easy or difficult they find learning, and we need to recognize, and respect, these individual differences. Finding such strong genetic influence does not mean that there is nothing we can do if a child finds learning difficult, heritability does not imply that anything is set in stone it just means it may take more effort from parents, schools and teachers to bring the child up to speed," said Robert Plomin, study author and professor at the King's College London.

The authors believe the method of analyzing DNA helps screen any human trait, many diseases and disorders and also understand the way some respond to treatments.

More information is available online in the journal Nature Communications.