Generosity may lie in the Genes
A new research has suggested that some people are generous because they are genetically destined to have such a personality.
Researchers in Jerusalem have conducted an online test on 203 people. In this test, the participants could either keep or give away their money. It was a very simple test.
The researchers found that those who had certain variants of a gene called AVPR1a were on an average almost 50% more likely to give money away.
Ariel Knafo, lead researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said, “The experiment provided the first evidence, to my knowledge, for a relationship between DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid that contains genetic information) variability and real human altruism - selfless concern for the welfare of others.”
The gene AVPR1a is known to play a key role in allowing a hormone called arginine vasopressin to act on brain cells. In turn, Vacopressin has been implicated in social bonding.
The study appeared in the journal “Genes, Brain and Behaviour.”
December 11th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Marvellous! Eye opener and mind blowing research…but do the ‘GIVING AWAY MONEY’ is the ONLY criterian to determine the generousity of a person, I wonder?!
Cheers : )
December 12th, 2007 at 8:05 am
It is also important to publicize the research Which genes Make people Looters, Burglars, And Most Importantly Beggars as it is about a large section of the World. And Which genes create value and prosperity in the society ????
It seems Beggars are trying to find Hi-Tech Tools to Identify Donors.