A recent report (among others) suggests there may be a reason why so many Conservatives are anti-science or science deniers. What would this mean if true?

This is a very contentious issue that has been developing over the last few years. New research seems to suggest that the science deniers in the Republican party may not have the kind of brain that is amenable to scientific reasoning. IOW, this is a physiological phenomena and not just a case of, say, bad education. Just like the physiological implications of the ‘God gene’, do some people lack a ‘science gene’?

I am not supporting the argument. I am also not suggesting that more research shouldn’t be done. However, if true, the implications are huge and, frankly, scary. I am struggling hard to see a positive outcome of this research.

Assuming it’s true, how do you think we as a people should handle this? Should people without the ‘science gene’ (or whatever) be able to vote on science questions? Do we need to stop acting like every point of view is equally important? How would society adjust and adapt?

Again, I am not saying the results are conclusive. Rather, speculate on what would happen if they were.

Feel free to be as uncomfortable about this as I am! ;)