The issue focused on studies from researchers at Columbia University and Harvard Medical School that claimed scientists had identified genetic markers associated with academic performance. The research has been criticized by academics who say it doesn't prove genetic differences exist.

After being contacted by Reuters, science experts said they could not judge how scientifically sound the study was or whether its conclusions were accurate. But many scientists expressed doubts about the scientific merit of the research.

"This study's empirical findings do not suggest that genetics explain academic achievement," wrote psychology