[Publius6961]

Prof. Harpending suggests that the reason is in their bloodline — it's genetic.

With all due deference to the good Professor, I believe it's because culturally they are driven to actually try harder, not just go through the motions.
As a consequence, and incidentally, I have never feared Jews as an announced or de facto master race.

Nothing has ever prevented me from trying harder myself. I just chose not to.
And I am painfully aware that most, and almost an entire race, have chosen to try substantially less than I have.

[Young Werther]

I agree with you. Persecution is not genetic! Neither is the dismal statistics attached to genius level individuals. A genius is more likely divorce, attempt suicide, experience career failure. Why? Certainly not genetic.

Behavioral Psychologists have been struggling with the human condition for over 100 years and the last thing they will suggest is that the Genome holds the answer

[A. Pole]

With all due deference to the good Professor, I believe it's because culturally they are driven to actually try harder, not just go through the motions.

From my personal observation Chinese and Koreans are driven more. Since they are also much more numerous they will get most of the recognition from the Swedes (who dispense the Nobel price), soon!