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The role of genetics -

It is no great secret that our genes are responsible for much of what happens in our lives. In fact, we have known that for a long time.

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Risk of disease -

Both scientists and non-scientists are aware that our risk of certain diseases, for example, is largely dictated by our genetic makeup.

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Could there be something more? -

Today, however, scientists are beginning to question whether our lives and our genomes have a connection that is even more intimate.

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Genetics and life choices -

Indeed, scientists are starting to wonder whether our genetic makeup could be responsible for the choices we make in life, and, if so, to what extent?

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Genetics and personalities -

Could it be that our genes are to thank (or to blame) for some or all aspects of our personalities, such as food preferences and ability to maintain relationships?

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Taste preferences -

Although we may not realize it, there are a number of aspects to our daily lives that may be at least partially driven by our genome. For example, genetic differences in our taste receptors determine whether we prefer coffee or tea.

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Coffee vs. tea - It transpires that people who love coffee are less sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine, while people who love tea are less sensitive to other types of bitter chemicals.

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Enjoying sports -

Genetics are also involved when it comes to determining how much we enjoy or don’t enjoy engaging in certain types of activity.

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Back to basics - At a basic level, our genes determine how much pleasure we get from exercising, and whether we prefer working out on our own or with a group in some sort of team sport.

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Hobby gene - Research suggests, however, that our genes can be even more specific than that when it comes to predicting our leisure-time activities.

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The research -

Fifteen years ago, there was a survey conducted of 2,000 British adults, which suggested that there may be a gene that relates to hobbies.

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Favorite pastimes -

There was evidence of a strong correlation between the favorite pastimes of the participants and the recorded hobbies of their ancestors.

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Down through the generations -

Many participants were surprised to find that they came, for example, from a long line of amateur gardeners, stamp collectors, or cake makers.

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Caveat -

It would seem, therefore, that our genes can influence our natural inclination towards certain hobbies. That’s not to say that we necessarily have an aptitude for those hobbies, however.

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Other contributing factors -

Rather, scientists believe that our aptitude for certain activities is largely dictated by other factors such as the opportunity we have at a young age, and our willingness to practice.

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Then again -

That said, our willingness to practice may in turn be influenced by our genome. In fact, it’s likely that our genetic makeup wields a considerable influence over our personality traits.

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Genetics and our personalities -

According to psychiatry professor Danielle Dick, the majority of personality traits, such as how extroverted or introverted we are, have some sort of genetic component.

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Good and bad -

There are advantages and disadvantages to all characteristics and personality traits. Being naturally impulsive, for example, might make you a better decision-maker and more willing to seize opportunities.

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Ups and downs -

However, it may also make you more vulnerable to dropping out of school, getting fired from a job, or developing a gambling addiction.

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Creativity and schizophrenia -

Equally, there is research that shows people with the genetic background for a high level of creativity actually go on to develop schizophrenia.

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Impulsivity -

According to one recent study co-authored by Danielle Dick, individuals who display gene variants linked to impulsivity are more likely to engage in certain behaviors.

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Impulsive behaviors -

The study found that of the 1.5 million people studied, the more impulsive people were more likely to have developed ADHD as children, or participated in substance taking in adolescence and adulthood.

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Other connections -

The study also showed that the more impulsive people were more likely to later develop associated conditions, such as obesity and lung cancer.

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Fate is not decided -

That is not to say, of course, that our DNA is our destiny. For example, there are many people with the impulsivity gene variant who will not develop problems.

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The importance of environment -

The environment that surrounds us is also hugely important in determining whether we act on our genetic urges or not.

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Predispositions and environments -

For example, according to Icelandic scientist Kári Stefánsson, people with a genetic predisposition to struggle with inhibition are more likely to have problems if they work next to a fast-food outlet, or find it difficult to stop smoking if they start.

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Predispositions and environments -

At the same time, however, research shows that having a stable family life, or even exercising regularly, can help those people live healthier, more productive lives.

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Other behaviors -

It is not only compulsive or addictive behavior that scientists believe is dictated by our genetic code.

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Ongoing research -

Indeed, they are now studying other gene-environment interactions to decide whether our genes can influence other behavior patterns, such as the ability to maintain a long-term relationship.

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Long way to go -

We are still at the very beginning of the road when it comes to understanding exactly how our genes influence our actions. Scientists are beginning to unveil the connections, but there are many questions still unanswered.

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