A recent study has found genetic variations that are closely linked with children's mathematical abilities. This research is one of the initial studies to investigate different types of math skills in relation to genetics. Mathematical abilities are partially inherited and encompass a range of complex traits that can be assessed in various areas. While a few genetic studies have examined overall mathematical proficiency, none have previously looked at particular categories of mathematical abilities.
The researchers at Shaanxi Normal University conducted genome-wide association studies on a sample of 1,146 Chinese primary school students to perform their research. Their research concentrated on Eleven different categories of mathematical aptitude, including applied mathematics, calculation, and spatial and logical reasoning. The researchers identified seven genetic variants at the single nucleotide level that were highly linked to mathematical and reasoning abilities. Further analysis revealed that three genes were strongly correlated with three specific categories of mathematical abilities. As an example, the researchers found that variations in the LINGO2 gene were associated with the ability to perform subtraction.
The researchers also discovered genetic variants or groups of genes that had a substantial association with abilities like addition, division, magnitude perception, and spatial conception. Moreover, they identified the most crucial variant that was linked to mathematical reasoning ability, as well as autism and schizophrenia. This research is the first to demonstrate the direct correlation between these genes and mathematical aptitude. The outcomes of the study offer proof that distinct mathematical skills may have diverse genetic foundations. In addition, this study refined the genome-wide association analysis of mathematical ability and contributed to the literature by including a Chinese children sample, thereby adding population diversity.
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