Seriously, I do believe genetics plays some role... But environment plays a greater role... If you use your brain more then you increase the neuron connections and become more intelligent... especially true for children.

But the nature vs. nurture debate is a particularly hard one to resolve. Intelligent educated parents will tend to raise intelligent educated kids... regardless of the childrens "genetic IQ".

To do a study what you need to do is look at adopted children, measure their birth parents IQ then see how the kids turn out... even then it is likely to be flawed since most adoptive parents will be primarily those that will provide a good environment...

In the end the best way to combat stupidity is to become a culture that values creativity and education. To be blunt our culture is the exact opposite. I am not bashing america, but humanity.... We live in a world where a moron who can barely spell his name gets millions because he can throw a ball "real well", meanwhile those that are smart and dedicated and make discoveries that improve the lives of hundreds of millions can expect maybe a decent salary...

Ask yourself : how many hundreds of programs of "reality" shows, and "alien autopsy" shows are on TV for every one "hard education" show?

The idiots that came up for the idea of making a reality show based on the "Beverly Hillbillies" probably all had fairly high IQs... so IQ isnt everything...

<sigh> end of rant...