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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1: Daredevil Gene

Have you ever noticed that some people take a lot of risks while others are more cautious? Scientists announced last week that they may have found a “daredevil” gene, known as nueroD2, that prompts some people and animals to take risks.

People with only one copy of this gene have fewer nerve cells in their amygdala than people with two copies of this gene. The amygdale is the part of the brain that controls emotions--like fear.

So why is this related to taking risks? Scientists believe this is important because people learn not to take unnecessary risks by experiencing fear. So folks with only one copy of the gene may not associate being afraid with risk-taking, which makes them more likely to participate in extreme sports.

The initial study, done at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, helps show how genes can control behavior. The scientists say that more research is needed to determine to what extent this gene controls behavior, as well as whether or not it is linked to mental illness or emotional problems in humans.

--Written by Jodey Byers

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2: Giant Squid