The Genetics of Intelligence
England (Yorkshire & the Humber)
06.04.2011
7.30pm - 9.00pm
This Café Scientifique event, organised by Science City York, will be an informal evening of lively discussion revolving around the contemporary scientific issue of the Genetics of Intelligence.
Identifying the risk factors for individual differences in age-related cognitive ability and decline is amongst the greatest challenges facing the healthcare of older people.
Cognitive impairment caused by "normal ageing" is a major contributor towards overall intellectual deficit in the elderly and a process that exhibits substantial variation within the population.
Both cognitive ability and its decline with age are influenced by our genes and the environment, with interaction between the two. Genetic research has aimed to identify the genetic variation responsible for high cognitive functioning and successful cognitive ageing.
Dr Tony Payton, Research Associate at the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research (CIGMR), the University of Manchester, will discuss the progress that has been made in the field of genetics research and in addition the benefits vs pitfalls of discovering genes that regulate intelligence.
The discussion will take place at The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, York. Admission is free, but you will need to register for a ticket to attend.