The gene that makes gambling run in the family

The way I see it, this 'discovery' is another way of 'having something to blame' rather than owning up to the vices you have. What is your say?

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LONDON — Gambling and risk taking habits really do run in the family, claim scientists who have found a gene that makes you more likely to be persuaded to have a flutter.

Researchers at the University College London (UCL) believe they have discovered a genetic link between whether people are cautious with their money or prepared to invest in a long shot.

The team found that varieties of a gene responsible for the transport of serotonin, the mood-control drug in the brain, are also key to decision making — especially when being tempted with a gamble.

They found that those with "short" versions of the gene were more susceptible to taking a risk than those with the "longer" variety. This was more profound an effect if the investment or gamble was "framed" in such a way that it seemed to be more attractive.

"We know that people across cultures are susceptible to biases in decision-making," said Dr Jonathan Roiser of UCL's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. "This implies hardwired genetics influence how susceptible individuals are to the framing effect." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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From TODAY, World – Thursday, 07-May-2009