‘Smart gene’ in a drop of blood will predict your intelligence

INTELLIGENCE could be measured with a swab of saliva or a drop of blood after scientists showed for the first time a person’s IQ can be predicted just by studying their DNA.

In the largest study looking at the genetic basis for intelligence, researchers have discovered hundreds of new genes linked to brain power.

Previous studies have suggested that around 50pc of intelligence is inherited, and the rest comes through upbringing, friendship groups and education. That figure was calculated by studying identical twins who share the same DNA so differences in IQ between them must be non-genetic.

But nobody knew which were the “smart genes”. By studying the genetic data from more than 240,000 people, scientists have found 538 genes linked to intelligence.

Researchers were able to predict intelligence solely based on a person’s DNA, a breakthrough which could potentially help doctors to diagnose impaired cognitive ability, or allow children to be given a tailor-made education based on their innate abilities.

Dr David Hill, of the University of Edinburgh and who led the joint research with Harvard, said: “Our study identified a large number of genes linked to intelligence.

“We were also able to predict intelligence in another group using only their DNA.”

The study also showed the same genes are also linked to other processes such as length of life.