A scary gene?

Do genes play a role in our reaction to scary things? It looks like they may.

Scientists recently announced that they've found a genetic difference that affects how the amygdala works. The amygdala is a small structure inside the brain. Shaped something like an almond, it has an unusual function: it's responsible for processing fear signals.

Using MRI scans, researchers watched the amygdala's activities while people matched images of scary faces on a computer screen. It turned out that people with short version of a particular gene had more amygdala activity than did people with the long version of the gene.

The gene studied is involved with serotonin, a brain chemical -- or neurotransmitter -- that seems to play a role in such emotions as anxiety and depression. The researchers said their study is an early step toward better understanding the ways people experience react to danger and experience emotions.

Resources

Read more at the NIH news page.

August 10, 2002