Empathy Gene Identified

[Ahso!]

I read this a while back. The more I learn about the brain the more amazed I find myself. Its all about evolution and natural selection.A gene that influences both the empathy people show towards others and their own responses to stress has been identified, in research that could shed new light on human psychology and disorders such as autism.

Scientists in the United States have discovered that people who inherit a particular version of a gene called the oxytocin receptor score significantly better on an empathy test, while reacting less strongly to stressful stimuli.

The findings, from a team led by Sarina Rodrigues, assistant professor with Oregon State University, and Laura Saslow, of the University of California, Berkeley, suggest a mechanism by which individuals’ genetic profiles may affect how well they recognise and respond to others’ emotions. Empathy is certainly an excellent quality for people to have, though simply because one has the ability to empathize doesn't mean they practice empathy. People who lack this gene are still caring and loving people, perhaps even more so than others if they choose to be.The gene, however, is not a “gene for” empathy, and most people who have the version associated with lower scores on the test are still perfectly empathtic and caring individuals.

Dr Rodrigues, indeed, does not herself have the GG version of the gene that was linked to a better ability to identify others’ mental states. “I tested myself and while I am not in the GG group, I’d like to think that I am a very caring person with empathy for others,” she said.

“These findings can help us understand that some of us are born with a tendency to be more empathic and stress reactive than others, and that we should reach out to those who may be naturally closedoff from people because social connectivity and belongingness benefits everyone.” If you would like to know more, see; Scientists identify gene that influences quality of person’s empathy - Times Online