KL-VS, a gene previously linked to longevity via heart disease reduction, now also found to be linked to increased IQ by an average of 6 points
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- Because of the polymorphism’s tie to longevity, initially they were looking for an effect on cognitive decline – not intelligence. This was a surprise, because the effect on intelligence (IQ) was irrespective of age.
- Another study was able to experimentally demonstrate these enhancements of learning and memory in mice as well using a mouse version of this particular polymorphism.
- This gene variant increases klotho, and doubles the number of a particular molecular subunit of the NMDA receptor known as GluN2B.