The debate of nature vs nurture had stood the test of time as genetics professor Christopher Mason, who was indirectly inspired by Francis Galton, along with other scientists who felt the urge to know more on nature and nurture. We were fortunate enough to get to interview him. He believes that, “Some traits are 90-95% nature, but others are much lower, like 10-20%.” The twin study that he helped with was with two identical twins named Scott and Mark Kelly. Christopher Mason said that, “I think the lessons from our current missions will help humans get to, and live on, the Moon and Mars in the next 10-20 years.”
After/Results
While scientists are still studying the Nature vs Nurture Debate, most people have come to the conclusion that both nature and nurture go hand-in-hand and both are equally important and needed. Every characteristic of every living being is the product, not the sum, of both nature and nurture.
Christopher E. Mason Cornell Research, research.cornell.edu, date unknown
Separated at Launch: Scott Kelly (left) and Mark Kelly (right), Business Standard, 2017
Some changes that occurred were that Scott grew 2 inches taller during spaceflight and within days of landing. Another important change is that during and after Scott's mission in space, revealed changes in gene expression. Mark also experienced normal-range in gene expression on Earth, but not the same changes as Scott.
Changes Scott experienced may have been associated with his lengthy stay in space. Most of these changes (about 91.3%) reverted to baseline after he returned to Earth; however, a small subset persisted after six months. This information helps researchers better understand how environmental stresses influence the activity of different genes.
Scott Kelly, Scottkelly.com, Date Unknown