Gene Found to Explain Repeated Mistakes

palegray.net writes "A December 6th article in Nature explores the relationship between a specific gene and those of us prone to repeatedly making the same mistakes. From the article: "Drug addicts, alcoholics and compulsive gamblers are known to be more likely than other people to have this genetic mutation ..." The gene results in the development of fewer D2 receptors in the brain, a condition which the study has shown leads to a lessened ability to learn from experience." So no complaining about dupes and typos: it's genetic!

Comments

Re:Now, for the most useful one

[QuickFox]

What would you have instead?

This American disdain for politicians is perplexing. You claim to be so proud of your democracy. And yet you despise the people who personify and work for that democracy?

The American debate scene is far too filled with disdain, aggression and closed minds.

I'm guessing that you're American, since that attitude seems to be prevalent only in the US.

What would you have instead?

I'd want a test for exactly that reason.

[r00t]

I don't want any of my kids to marry somebody with the defect.

That's not the only defect of interest. Full genetic testing
would be a good thing, at least for people who have fewer
defects than average. The below-average people just shouldn't
breed. If they get stuck breeding with each other, at least
the die-off rate will increase.

To oppose this is to say that either:

a. you don't believe in evolution

b. you're OK with humans evolving to be stupid creatures
that depend on modern medicine for survival, with the
collapse of our population if modern medicine should
happen to become unavailable from all the stupidity

Re:Now, for the most useful one

[dadragon]

I doubt hating our government officials is a uniquely American phenomenon either.

Well, I'm Canadian, and I hate your government officials, too. ;)