Thursday, November 13, 2014

Is Violent Crime in Some People's Genes?

In the field of biology of crime, a team of swedish investigators have identified two genes genetic mutations that could link to a higher risk for violent behavior. The team is lead by Dr. Jari Tiihonen, a professor in the department of clinical neuroscience with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Tiihonen suggests that up to 10% of the violent crime can be explained by the two genes. One of the genetic mutation involves a version of gene called MAOA, the mutation occurs by a short circuit usually way the hormone dopamine is processed and controlled. Research done before this project suggests that excess of dopamine can promote aggressive behavior especially when mixed with drugs and alcohol according to the background information in the study.




The other kind of mutation is a version of gene known as CDH13; this kind of mutation impedes the development of normal neural connections and undermine impulse control. Previous research links it to onset of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder. Tiihonen points out that there can be many more genes that can contribute to the violent behavior. People who carry the genes MAOA and CDH13 are thirteen times more likely to commit a violent crime.
To look in depth into the genetic mutations of the two genes and how they can be related to violent crimes, the team conducted a analysis involving nearly 800 Finish citizens, of whom 215 participants were classified as "nonviolent offenders" and 539 were "violent"( with at least one conviction). And there is a subgroup of 84 people who are deemed as "extremely violent" according to the study. The DNA samples from the criminals were compared to the DNA of more than 2,000 mom-incarcerated Finnish citizens who gave DNA samples for previous study.  After analyzing the samples, the researches found that having NAOA mutation was associated with higher risk for being  a violent offender and they also found that the gene mutation of CDH13  was also linked to extremely violent behavior. Neither mutation is found to be associated with nonviolent crime. This article is interesting to me because how the genetic technology is improving around the world. With this bit of information, it could inspire other researches to happen in related field.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/10/28/is-violent-crime-in-some-peoples-genes

4 comments:

  1. This is very interesting to know because violence is not just an acquired trait from life's experiences: it is also an inherited trait passed down. The technological advancements with these studies is great because it allows us to better understand ourselves and others.

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  2. To me this is something I've contemplated for years. Naturally, I feel its acceptable to associate short temperament with violent behavior because the one leads to the other. Short temperament runs deeply in my dad's side of the family and throughout the years I'd hear family members commenting on how the anger issues "run in the family." I've always wondered if it was genetically linked and after reading this blog, it must be.

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  3. Who would have thought that a persons violent behavior could be linked to the genes they are born with. Does this give them a pass for their violent behavior? Dopamine levels need to be studied in more depth. I wonder if there are other causes of this aggressive behavior, for example, a persons past. Great Article!

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  4. This is an interesting discovery because it only gives you more things to think about when you see someone commit some sort of violent crime. This along with other factors such as mental illnesses and environments can greatly affect someone's thought process and their actions.

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