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DOES NATURE OR NURTURE DEFINE US? The Rubicon student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 51, Issue 2 - Oct. 21, 2025
IN DEPTH
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Genes and lifestyle together shape traits SONIA KHARBANDA EDITOR IN CHIEF
When sophomore Liam Burns reveals that he is a twin, he is often met with surprise. Though they both have blonde hair and blue eyes, Burns notes more differences than shared traits with his twin sister Eva. “We’re obviously very different heights … she’s a lot more outgoing than I am,” he said. Fraternal twins, like Burns, share 50% of their DNA – no more than any other siblings. Meanwhile, identical twins have identical genotypes, making them ideal candidates for understanding genetic diseases: although their DNA is the same, it can be expressed differently due to regulatory mechanisms and environmental factors. While it can be easy to spot physical and behavioral attributes, discerning the reasons behind a trait is more complex: genes, environment and some element of chance intersect to determine which traits are expressed. The contrast between Burns and his sister could be inherited – the result of different genes – or it could be a product of their lifestyles. “I guess there’s got to be, obviously, a large element of nurture … if we’re having similar DNA, and yet we’re so different,” Burns said. “I’ve had some very different experiences than her through skiing, because that’s what I spend a lot of my time doing, and she doesn’t really do that at all.” Studies have associated genetic factors with traits beyond physical appearance, such as extroversion, neuroticism and mental illness. Junior Avi Coleman has noticed similar personalities between her and her younger sister. “Me and my sister are both very ambitious people and very loud and talkative and outgoing. And we also do look really similar,” she said. Another interesting trait connected to genetics is the taste of cilantro. According to an article by HealthPartners, at least four receptor genes have been linked to perceiving the taste of cilantro as soapy; between 3 and 21% of people globally dislike the taste of cilantro, although this figure varies by ethnic group. Junior Eli Sanders has observed the cilantro gene in action in his family. He thinks cilantro tastes good, but his twin sister disagrees: “Some people in my family like cilantro, but others think it tastes like soap.” Meanwhile, senior Lam Le is interested in the heritability of height in his family. Le and his two sisters are all in the 90th percentile for height, which he finds striking, since his parents aren’t particularly tall.
COMPLICATED COMMENTS. Students explain their perspectives on the impact of nature and nurture on human appearance and behavior. Senior Lam Le believes the question cannot be answered by one or the other; both genes and environmental factors impact the expression of traits.
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GENERATIONAL GAPS Data shows that older generations are more likely to trust vaccines than younger generations. Read more in HEALTH & WELLNESS.
Continued on pg. 10
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TWIN TRUST
Get to know several sets of twins as they share their experiences and the truth behind popular myths. Read more in FEATURE.
IN THIS ISSUE:
20
BRAIN BREAKS How do students utilize brain breaks? How many use them at all? Find out in GOOD QUESTION.
2-4 News • 5-8 Opinions • 9 Health & Wellness • 10-11 In Depth
• 12-13 Feature • 14-16 Sports • 17-19 A&E • 20 Good Question