Happiness? It’s all in your genes
September 11th, 2011 - 10:06 am ICT by IANSLondon, Sep 11 (IANS) Scientists believe they have identified the happy gene that makes us look on the bright side of life.
The researchers have found evidence that part of our DNA makes us either naturally positive or negative, reports express.co.uk.
The Essex University study looked at DNA samples of 100 volunteers and tested their responses to highly emotive images, using revolutionary computer therapy.
Scientists then measured how the volunteers’ genes transported the mood chemical serotonin around the body. People with short versions of the gene had stronger reactions, both positive and negative. But those volunteers with the long gene type expressed less reaction.
Elaine Fox, who led the study, said: “Those with the long version often fare best in fairly benign conditions. But they might not gain so much from a good experience.”
“When times are really bad or really good, those with the highly reactive short genotype either go under or really benefit,” she added.
It is hoped that identifying the gene will help treatment of depression and trauma.
- Scientists succeed in isolating happiness gene - May 06, 2011
- Genetically targeted medication shows promise in treating alcoholism - Jan 21, 2011
- Scientists identify ''happiness'' gene - Feb 25, 2009
- Gene linked to alcohol consumption identified - Apr 05, 2011
- 'Gluttony gene' forces you to gobble non-stop - Mar 19, 2012
- Gene linked to major depression identified - Feb 08, 2011
- Trio of drugs may help fight 'triple negative' breast cancer - Dec 11, 2010
- Genes help determine our susceptibility to depression - Jan 04, 2011
- Scientists shed light on cellular basis of depression - Feb 24, 2011
- Genetic variants linked to caffeine intake discovered - Apr 07, 2011
- Scientists discover gene that triggers violent anger - Dec 23, 2010
- Fruit flies' 'sniffing techniques' pave way for new insect repellents - Sep 23, 2010
- Restoring gene may slow spread of advanced lung tumours - Nov 25, 2010
- Stem cell advance paves way for novel treatments for brain diseases - Dec 08, 2010
- Higher levels of folate in RBCs linked to silenced tumor-suppressors - Dec 23, 2010
Tags: benign conditions, bright side of life, computer therapy, dna samples, elaine fox, emotive images, essex university, express co, gene type, genes, genotype, good experience, happiness, revolutionary computer, scientists, sep 11, serotonin, trauma, treatment of depression, volunteers