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Postgenomics and genetic essentialism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 October 2012

Ilan Dar-Nimrod*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. ilan.dar-nimrod@sydney.edu.au

Abstract

Traditional lay perceptions of genetics are plagued with essentialist biases leading to some unfortunate consequences. Changes in the scientific understanding of heredity in general, and in genotype–phenotype relationships more specifically, provide a vital basis for shifting public understanding of genetics. Facilitating postgenomic literacy among the public has the potential to have translational implications in diminishing deleterious attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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