Genetics and environment.

The panel discuss the issued raised in 'The Nature of Nurture', by Prof. Robert Plomin, which tries to establish how genetics and environment work together in child development. Dr O'Neill is giving the Edward Boyle Lecture, on 21.1.98, entitled 'Neuro-Genetic Determination and Respect for Human Life'. She believes that people have fears about genetic knowledge, as was found in a public survey arranged by the Wellcome Trust. Prof. Plomin argues that understanding genetics can eliminate certain illnesses. In the 1940's a single gene was identified which caused mental retardaton and prevention was made possible by introducing a change in diet.