Ricki Lewis

Apr 24, 2013 2:39 PM EDT

Ms. Lewis,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. I am currently in a genetics class at Skidmore College, and we are using your Human Genetics textbook. We are each presenting a project on genetics in real-world applications. My topic happens to be extremely related to this post--in fact, it is identical. I researched, for lack of better terminology, the genetics of killers. I looked at various news articles, documentaries, and NPR broadcasts to help me out.

I tend to agree with you, on all counts. What I found, from my modest research, was that the brains of killers tend to have the risky MAO-A gene and a lack of judgment and emotional decision-making abilities. While this is helpful, and quite telling, it in no way gives us a "recipe" for killers.

I came across Jim Fallon and his research. He is a neurologist at the University of California, Irvine, and he studies this field. He found out through his ancestry that he is pre-disposed to the "killer" genes found in many murderers. He has an NPR broadcast, as well as a TED talk and many publications.

What he points out is that while he shares this common risky gene with murderers, he was brought up in a safe and pleasant home. Many criminals are not, and this could be what leads them to express their violent genetic tendencies. I agree with you that the combination of genes, environment, and behavior can all lead to disaster. Predicting genes does help us, but it isn't the whole picture. And it definitely is not enough to go off of, if we are looking at preventative measures.

- Paige Duarte

Apr 24, 2013 3:26 PM EDT

Thanks so much, Paige, I will check out Dr. Fallon for the next edition of my textbook, which I'm working on now. What are you planning on doing after college? Enjoy Skidmore!

- Ricki Lewis