Why, oh why, are you completely unable to hold down a monogamous relationship? Blame your ancestors, says science.
Described as a “first-of-its-kind study,” researchers led by Justin Garcia, a evolutionary anthropology and health fellow at SUNY Binghamton, found the dopamine receptor D4 polymorphism,, which is already tied to alcohol and gambling addictions, is responsible for many folks’ thirst for sex, reports Newswise.
“What we found was that individuals with a certain variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to have a history of uncommitted sex, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity,” said Garcia. “The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in. In cases of uncommitted sex, the risks are high, the rewards substantial and the motivation variable – all elements that ensure a dopamine ‘rush.’”
According to Garcia, these results provide some of the first biological evidence that at first glance, seems to be somewhat of a contradiction: that individuals could be looking for a serious committed long-term relationship, but have a history of one-night stands. At the same time, the data also suggests it is also reasonable that someone could be wildly in love with their partner, commit infidelity, and yet still be deeply attached and care for their partner. It all came back to a DRD4 variation in these individuals. Individual differences in the internal drive for a dopamine ‘rush’ can function independently from the drive for commitment.
So can David Duchovny — and, depending on whose version of events you believe, Reichen Lehmkuhl — just blame bad genes, like the way I do for not having a singing voice? No, insists the smartypants.
“The study doesn’t let transgressors off the hook,” said Garcia. “These relationships are associative, which means that not everyone with this genotype will have one-night stands or commit infidelity. Indeed, many people without this genotype still have one-night stands and commit infidelity. The study merely suggests that a much higher proportion of those with this genetic type are likely to engage in these behaviors.”
If science can’t locate the gay gene, at least they’ve found the slut gene. Who needs some arsenic-loving bacteria when you’ve got that discovery?
How about we take this to the next level?
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FrankLeeMyDear
It would seem to me that whether you are a slut or not depends on what is found in your jeans, not genes.
asa1973
I’m going to file this under: DUH.
Cam
Or perhaps that gene just makes people more willing to tell strangers interviewing them about their sex lives.
Caine
Thank you, Science.
Fuck you, religion.
Jim Hlavac
Of course everyone knows there’s no point in looking for a gay gene — that would be promoting homosexuality. Yah, right. Amazing how the cause of the “biggest threat” to civilization, as some claim, is simply the most unstudied thing on earth. Oh they know what we do, they think, based on a quick look at a street festival or two, and 30 year old arrests data — but they’re afraid to find out why we do. And why we are such a persistent (and obstinate) percentage all over the world is a very important piece in solving our little puzzle of being included in society all the way. Beyond the mere sullen tolerance we’ve achieved. I wish those who say something along the lines of it’s “a largely unexplained mix of developmental factors” would get a little more firm in their explanation. But if the why was proven natural, as it surely must be, then their fund raising would fall off and they might actually have to go out and get a job.
Matt
I’m not saying research on the genetic factors of behaviour is all bogus, but we should all keep in mind the work of Evelyn Keller Fox. Things aren’t as simple as they seem.
Z-z
By the way, have they also discovered a gene of spinnsterity?
Kieran
Um, so is infanticide.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
I think I gots half of that particular gene thingy…….
Cause when I have a BF I am totally committed, but when I am single I am kinda sorta slutty……….. :p
ohNOyouDI'int
I can be slutty at times, but when I’m in a relationship, i am 100% committed and monogamous.