Genetics of self-reported risk-taking behaviour, trans-ethnic consistency and relevance to brain gene expression (Strawbridge, et al.).
The study notes 8 novel loci for this so-called "risk-taking behavior" (diagnosed by asking people one question: “Would you describe yourself as someone who takes risks?”), as well as noting "...two replicated previous findings." My quick point is that the 2 "replicated" SNP's were from a previous study by the same author using the same UK Biobank dataset (which has expanded since the last study from a few months ago). Obviously, you would expect some "replication" when using overlapping datasets.
In short, no independently replicated SNP's from previous studies of this ilk, and some of the SNP's, even bolstered by using some of the same data, were not replicated. Moreover, no independent analysis of the new data, which was simply folded into the old study in a meta-analysis type of format. Again, in an attempt to bolster N, the study did not look at the new data independently.
I might add to this critique when I've had more time to examine it in detail.
Thank you. I could also point out that the answer to the question "Would you describe yourself as someone who takes risks?" is meaningless. We all take risks every day. Driving a car or walking across the street involves some risk. The only person who could answer "No" to this question is someone who never leaves his or her dwelling, and does not live in a floodplain or in areas that have earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Steve, this is an important new blog. Thank you very much for starting it. I hope that you post an e-mail address at some point so that people could get in touch with you.
ReplyDeleteHello Jay,
DeleteNice to hear from you, actually. We had some correspondence a few years back, you might recall. My e-mail is StevePittelli at gmail.