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The daredevil gene
Vegetarian Times, April, 2002 by Maria Rabat
WHY IS IT that some people crave the spine-tingling thrills a roller coaster produces, while others prefer to keep both feet planted firmly on the ground? The answer is an increasingly familiar one: your genes. Scientists now estimate that approximately 35 percent of the differences among us can be attributed to genetics, including our attitudes toward sports, books and having a little danger in our lives.
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario surveyed 336 pairs of adult twins to try and understand how genetics affects issues like these. Responses to such questions as "My general feelings toward doing crossword puzzles is ..." allowed the researchers to figure out which attitudes were more influenced by genetic factors.
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Of the 30 topics covered, 26 had some genetic influence--and roller-coaster rides topped the list. Conclusion: Thrill-seeking runs in families. So apparently do people's attitudes toward social issues (such as abortion and the death penalty), equality (affirmative action, immigration policies, et al) and fitness. On the other hand, preferences in intellectual pursuits have little genetic influence.
Apparently, there may not be one specific skydiving gene. Instead, scientists suspect that the mechanism driving the genetic connection depends on personality traits and physical abilities--both of which are inherited characteristics.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Vegetarian Times, Inc. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
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- Coolest room on the block: have a bedroom that's way drab and boring? Hang ...
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