Yesterday’s edition of the journal Current Biology featured an interesting study on Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition marked by cognitive deficits but also a several common personality traits. People with Williams are excessively outgoing and friendly, are often musically talented, and, most importantly to this study, show no social fear. Researchers at the University of Heidelberg have shown that children with Williams do not show racial biases, a common trait even amongst young children without the condition. Over at Neurophilosophy, Mo Costandi gives a thorough analysis of the paper; meanwhile, David Dobbs at Neuron Culture points to a feature article he wrote about Williams syndrome and offers his take on what might explain this unique trait.
- Children with Williams Syndrome don’t form racial stereotypes
- How does Williams syndrome prevent racism? It’s subtle
Ed Yong also has a post up on this study over at Discover.