Kids get their intelligence from their MUMS not their dads, according to studies

Any proud dads who have been taking credit for their youngsters school achievements may want to tone down their bragging down the pub from now on. 

Research suggests that a child inherits their intelligence from their MOTHER, and the father plays little part. 

Intelligence genes are carried on the X chromosome which women have two of, while men only have one. 

But some scientists now believe the genes for cognitive function inherited from the father are “deactivated”.

Certain genes, known as “conditioned genes”, are thought to only work if they come from the mother in some cases, or the father in others.

And intelligence genes are now thought to be among the conditioned genes that have to come from the mother. 

In studies using laboratory mice, scientists found paternal genes accumulated in parts of the “limbic system” which controls functions such as sex, food and aggression.

But they didn’t find any in the cerebral cortex which, as the names suggests, is where advanced cognitive function takes place.

While you may be quick to argue that humans are different from mice, different research from the Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences in Glasgow, backs the findings up.

In this study, 12,686 young people aged between 14 and 22 years were interviewed every year since 1994.

The researchers took into account several factors, but found that the best predictor of intelligence was the IQ of the mother. 

Of course, genetics can only do so much before environmental factors come into platy, it is estimated that only between 40-60% of intelligence is hereditary.

But researchers at the University of Washington revealed also discovered that a secure bond and the love of the mother are crucial for brain growth. 

They found that the area of the brain known as the hippocampus was 10% lager by age 13 in children who were emotionally supported and had their intellectual needs met compared to those who didn’t.

So whether it’s nature or nurture, it seems mums can take a lot of credit for how their kids turn out. 

What better reason to thank them this Mother’s day? 

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