First validated canine behavioral genetics findings of nine fear, aggression traits in dogs

Although anxiety has been a topic that is well-understood regarding what exactly happens to the body, little is known about the genetic variation causing anxiety; so a study was conducted focusing on the genetic cause for aggression in dogs, which can frequently be read through their body language since we communicate in different ways. But, although there are several breeds that have unfair, negative stigmas, there are a few breeds that have been proven to be more fearful or aggressive when compared to other breeds.

Scientists found 12 genes linked to traits in which the predisposition of aggression towards a familiar person or animal is distinct from that of new, unfamiliar people/pets. They discovered the genes in two genome regions which were consistent with the core fear/aggression neural pathway, otherwise known as the amygdala to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis.

According to the scientists, the results are relevant to the most serious dog aggression problems, and should likely correlate to human anxiety disorders as well. They hope to eventually determine which neuronal circuits are affected by the risk variations, which could aid in locating drugs that could alter the behavioral effects. If successful, the goal would then be to determine the appropriate drugs for humans and develop a new drug therapy/treatment. Scientists say that if they identify the affected pathways, then biomarkers can be used to see who would positively respond to the treatment.

Anxiety is the most common type of mental disorder in the United States which validates how essential identifying the link between genetics and anxiety would be. Not only would we gain a deeper understanding for man's best friend, but it would benefit the human race immensely in terms of possibly alleviating the strains of a mental illness, or at least educating oneself on what to do if you're genetically prone to anxiety.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160810180908.htm

Fearing your next trip to the dentist?

Psychology researchers have discovered evidence of a genetic basis for fearing dental treatment. The authors found that some of the genes that influence fear of pain likely also influence dental fear. Cameron Randall and Daniel McNeil reported that dental care related fear and anxiety is due to genetic influences inherited from parents. The study suggests that genetics, in addition to environmental factors, can be a foundation for patients fearing dental treatment.

The study shows that fear of pain is also inherited. The authors found that some of the genes that influence fear of pain also influence dental fear. This offers new information that explains how fear of pain may provide to the development of dental fear.

Our genes may affect us to be more vulnerable to developing dental fear, possibly through pain-related variables. The study used a unique method to report inherited dental fear in a large sample of family-based applicants.

Fearing the dentist is common, with fears affecting ten to twenty percent of U.S. adults. Individuals who avoid the dentist out of fear end up with significant oral health problems. Researchers are trying to understand the causes and cures of this known health problem. This information may help scientists develop new ways to treat dental fear and phobia.

I found this article very interesting. I have always wondered why some individuals are scared to go to the dentist. Learning that some of the genes that influence fear of pain also influence dental fear was fascinating. Dental fear affects up to twenty-five percent of the common population. The fact that fearing to go to the dentist is due to genetic influences inherited from parents amazes me.

Study About Memories Being Passed to Offspring

A study was done with mice where they were trained to fear the smell of cherry blossoms in a Nature Neuroscience Study. This test affected the sperm production in these mice which sent a signal to the brain and altered the DNA. The Emory University School of Medicine looked at what happened to the sperm and it showed that a section of DNA responsible for sensitivity to the scent were made more active in the sperm. Then the offspring of the mice were sensitive to the smell of cherry blossom and avoided the scent even though they never personally encountered it.



This study showed that the experience of a parent even before reproducing does influence genes, the structure of the  brain, and the nervous system in the following generations. This provides evidence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and should be something that is looked at more in humans. This study also helps scientists understand more about neuropsychiatric disorders and other health problems.
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance was something that I used to wonder about a lot and wondered how it affected offspring and the differences in them. Athletic ability used to be one of those that I thought could influence offspring but most of the time I heard that the idea of that was ridiculous. If mice can be scared of a scent for no reason other than their grandparents being scared of it, then it makes me wonder what other experiences previous generations can pass on to offspring.

Article: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-25156510