The Surprising Gene Shared By Criminals - Kathryn Paige Harden
Kathryn Paige Harden joins Chris Williamson to discuss the genetic roots of antisocial behavior, focusing on a Dutch family where a rare MAOA gene mutation caused violent behavior in males but not females.
The gist
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Men have only one X chromosome, so a mutation on it has full effect, while women's second copy can compensate and protect them.
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A mutation in the MAOA gene, which breaks down serotonin and dopamine, caused extreme violence in all males of one Dutch family.
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Harden says morality is a biological faculty, not purely a cognitive or spiritual one, because a single gene change can disrupt it entirely.
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The same genetic liabilities affect both sexes equally, but males show more criminal behavior due to greater physical capacity and social opportunity.
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