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10 genes that could change your life

We all know that a person with blue eyes has a gene telling them to have blue eyes, but new research is suggesting that the power of genes goes far beyond physical characteristics and deep into the realms of personality, behaviour and health.

  1. wedding dayThe Infidelity Gene - Whereas extra copies of the AVPR1a gene make meadow voles less likely to play the field, in humans they increase the likelihood of marital crisis and divorce. The gene regulates the attachment hormone vasopressin.
  2. The Obesity Gene - People with two copies of the FTO gene weigh more and are more likely to become obese than those with no copies. It seems that there could                                                                   be truth in the saying ‘my genes made me fat’.
  3. The Gullibility Gene - The less active the WTF1 gene, the higher the risk of being Rick rolled. No, really.
  4. The Ruthlessness Gene - Selfish dictators are more likely to contain a short version of the AVPR1A gene. The stunted gene makes dopamine receptors in the brain distributed in such a way that the act of giving is less rewarding.
  5. The Left-Handed Gene - The LRRTM1 gene increases the likelihood of being left-handed- a trait apparently linked with high achievers. Indeed four of the seven most recent U.S. Presidents have been left-handed, including Barack Obama.
  6. The Breast Cancer Gene - A woman with mutations in the BRCA gene is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman lacking the mutation
  7. bottlesThe Addiction Gene - People with cocaine or alcohol addictions are more likely to possess the A1 allele of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2.
  8. The Warrior Gene - Carrying shorter copies of the MAOA gene results in higher levels of aggression in response to provocation. The gene has been linked to serious offences, including arson, attempted rape and murder.
  9. The Mental Illness Gene - Damage to the PDE4B gene, involved in brain development and memory storage, increases the risk of developing schizophrenia or manic depression.
  10. The Love Gene - You are more likely to be attracted to somebody who has a different group of immunity genes to you. Mixing these genes, which fight infection and determine body odour, tends to give healthier children.

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Submitted by NatalieHarrison