MOLECULAR biologists have discovered what could be the key underlying reason for human intelligence – a whole suite of genes whose activity in human brains is much higher than it is in chimp brains (see “Souped-up genes pulled humans into fast lane”).
The research could yield insights into the causes of mental retardation and why, for example, human brains are so susceptible to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. But it is also wonderful raw material for writers of doomsday scenarios. What if some genetic engineer cranks up these genes in, say, the head of a mouse and creates a terrifying…
