Got a Temper? Blame Your Genes

Scientists make 'stunning' discovery in genome comparison

(NEWSER) - Three years ago, scientists thought humans had never had sex with Neanderthals. Last year, they changed their tune—and now it looks like DNA passed down from Neanderthals has had a “profound impact” on our immune systems. Scientists compared a section of the modern human genome to the same area in the genomes of Neanderthals and another ancient hominid, the Denisovans, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

But they warn: Don't blame everything on biology

(NEWSER) - If you’re generally less than jubilant—or unfailingly cheerful—your biological makeup may play a role. Scientists have tracked down a gene whose variants appear to be linked to happiness, the Guardian reports. In a study of 2,500 Americans, those who had two long variants of the gene more often said they were “very satisfied” with life than those with two short versions. More»

UK PM's employees reached out 3 or 4 times in recent years

(NEWSER) - A UK bullying hotline has received "three or four" calls from an unexpected source—Gordon Brown's office. The head of the National Bullying Helpline stopped short of calling the famously short-tempered PM a bully, adding, "What we are saying is staff in his office working directly with him have issues, and have concerns, and have contacted our helpline," reports the BBC . More»

(NEWSER) - If Marie Antoinette really said "Let them eat cake," she probably knew the French wouldn't bite. Along with the British and other Europeans, the French have developed genetic variants that make them more sensitive to sweetness in food, a new study says. Africans, on the other hand, need more sugar to wake up their taste buds. As DNA researchers often say, the difference may come down to survival. More»

Periodontitis patients should cut out risk factors, scientists say

(NEWSER) - Scientists have identified a link between gum disease and heart disease, the BBC reports, finding the same genetic variation in a group of patients with heart disease and a group with severe periodontitis. “Now we know for sure that there is a strong genetic link, patients with periodontitis should try to reduce their risk factors … at an early stage,” said the head researcher. More»