Humans generally do not choose their partners randomly, but rather mate 'assortatively', choosing people with similar traits.
DNA is Not Destiny - Following a Healthy Lifestyle Reduces Genetic Heart Attack Risk
Even among those at high genetic risk, following a healthy lifestyle can cut in half the probability of a heart attack or similar event.
Even among those at high genetic risk, following a healthy lifestyle can cut in half the probability of a heart attack or similar event.
‘Assortative mating pattern could increase genetic and social inequality in future generations, since children of such couples are more unequal genetically than those of people who mate more randomly.’
Among the highest ranking qualities people look for in a potential partner are intelligence and educational attainment, the study published in the journal Intelligence said, adding that the choice has a significance at a DNA level. "Our findings show strong evidence for the presence of genetic assortative mating for education. The consequences of assortative mating on education and cognitive abilities are relevant for society, and for the genetic make-up and therefore the evolutionary development of subsequent generations," said David Hugh-Jones, lecturer at University of East Anglia (UEA) in Britain.
However, assortative mating pattern could increase genetic and social inequality in future generations, since children of such couples are more unequal genetically than those of people who mate more randomly, the researchers argued.
Small DNA Molecules - Evolutionary Catalyst for Antibiotic Resistance
Small DNA molecules known as plasmids are one of the key culprits in spreading the major global health threat of antibiotic resistance.
Small DNA molecules known as plasmids are one of the key culprits in spreading the major global health threat of antibiotic resistance.
"When growing social inequality is, partly, driven by a growing biological inequality, inequalities in society may be harder to overcome and the effects of assortative mating may accumulate with each generation," Hugh-Jones said.
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Sets of DNA Variants can Now be Created Quickly and Cheaply
A new technique to create myriad sets of DNA fragments that detail all possible genetic variants in a particular stretch of DNA has been developed by researchers.
A new technique to create myriad sets of DNA fragments that detail all possible genetic variants in a particular stretch of DNA has been developed by researchers.
The results showed that the individuals with a stronger genetic predisposition for higher educational achievement have partners who are more educated.
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Tweaking the DNA to Improve Plant-Based Medicines: Penn Dental Team
A newly designed software program converts any given DNA sequence into the sequence that would be preferred by either lettuce or tobacco plants.
A newly designed software program converts any given DNA sequence into the sequence that would be preferred by either lettuce or tobacco plants.
