Imprinted X-linked genes, 'feminine intuition' and the public (mis)understanding of science.
The report of an imprinted locus on the X chromosome influencing social behaviour was taken up with fervour by the media and reported in a way which neglected the reality of multifactorial complexity and the interplay between genetic and environmental contributors to gender differences. We summarize the background scientific details of the study and discuss the media reporting of those findings.
Scourfield
J
J
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK. ScourfieldJ@cardiff.ac.uk
McGuffin
P
P
D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D019545:Intuition / Q000502:physiology*; D012586:Science; D012919:Social Behavior; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*