Most experts now agree that we’re all influenced by a ____(1)____ of both genetics and environment in our development. EarthSky spoke with Dr. Jay Giedd, a neuroscientist at the National Institute of Mental Health, about____(2)___ questions on nature versus nurture.
Dr. Giedd said that _______(3)_______, but our environment determines what we become. He said it’s clear people can change and adapt far into their lives. He and other neuroscientists say that – although growth and change might seem more obvious when you’re younger, you’re always changing. _________(4)_________ it’s the environment.
So we always have the potential to grow and change.
This discovery _______________________(5)______________________ that excites neuroscientists. Now Giedd says they’re looking to answer questions about what genes are important at what times, and which mechanisms are responsible for changes in the brain.
Giedd said this is important, because if we can understand how the brain is built, we can understand how to intervene when the brain has problems – social or medical. And now____(6)____ are getting closer to identifying the parts of the brain that matter most.
