Nature/Nurture Zach Schlesinger and Alex Kagawa Professor 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 – 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 cells 3. 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 above 4. 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)