Scientists have known that risk-taking behavior was the result of more than just environmental factors and that it is in people’s genes as well. So they started looking at risk-taking behavior like gambling and drug use. However, a researcher, Cynthia Thompson, decided to look at the difference in genes between people in the same sport. She compared the DNA of people who ski and snowboard to see if there was a connection between genes and people who like to like to go slow and cautious on the slopes as opposed to people who go fast and like to get air. She found that within peoples’ DRD4 genes, people that had a particular variant of DNA were more likely to do risky behavior. If people that do possess that gene have no healthy way of fulfilling their need for risk, that is when they turn to unhealthy ways, such as gambling and drugs.
I think this article is very interesting because it is so applicable to my life. I am the type of person who is a risk-taker and because of that, I have gravitated towards friends that are similar. We love to try new sports and activities and are always trying to do cool tricks in them. We often invite others to come with us, but sometimes those people just do not have as much fun as we do. Now I understand that they probably do not contain the same gene that we do that makes it as enjoyable for them.
I didn't think about the idea that some individuals may have a gene that drives them to do drugs. I wonder how it would change things if scientist do find a gene connected to unhealthy behaviors. Would people want to know if they are destined to becoming drug addicts because of their genes?
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting. I am definitely an "adrenaline junkie" and love to go on those extreme attraction rides. This could be a reason why I end up going on alone because my friends think they're too crazy for them! I never thought about it being related to the genes that I possess.
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