Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

It would appear that this could become possible - do you think this would be good for society or the world at large?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IadIQHuepJ4

' "It is possible that the same genes that make criminals also makes those that guard our society?

"I think Winston Churchill may have said it best:

"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." '

What do you make of the comment that family life can dilute the gene?

Is it even ethical to go down the route of altering people's genetic structure in the way of behaviour modification?

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

It's a fascinating subject, but:-

I don't think it would be good for society or the world at large and neither do I think it ethical to alter people's genetic structure in this way.

I do think that family life (and other things) can influence a pre-disposition for certain traits and will also affect development, (but not alter or dilute the genes we are born with - they remain, but some may be turned on or off - enhanced or subdued - according to environment and experiences) both in a postitive way and a negative way - the same as all influences from birth onwards will influence and shape us. The level at which those influences will impact depends on our individual genetic make-up and I think it is safer to attempt any changes and influences externally, rather than mess about with our genes as is suggested may be possible. Aggression serves a vital function for our survival - without it none of us would be here - harness it and modify it appropriately, but I don't believe we should mess about genetically with our emotional pre-disposition either before birth or after. We may upset a natural balance if we do.

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

well unfortunately there is more to aggression than genes - the concept of the xyy syndrome has been around for a long time - as long as I was a teenager and that was a long time ago!

latest research has discovered 'aggressive chemicals' in the brain of some individuals. Some individuals apparently can be switched on to homicidal aggression but incidents in life which in normal circumstances in you and I may just trigger some irritation or even mirth but to these unusual individuals it triggers off homicidal behaviors.

brain scans have been done and reproduced on video screens so unusual chemical activities in the brains of those who develop uncontrollable rage can be seen in different color configurations.

Where does it come from - ah ah - that is the mystery - it is in the brain but is it nature or nurture - the old dilemma - does my upbringing cause it or my genes - so here we are back to genes.

but controlling chemicals in the brain is just as controversial as controls genes!

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

Also take away one gene and it could take away or make another more important. It won't just leave a gap nature isn't like that she likes to fill a vacuum and will find or create another gene to take it's place.

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

Don't really know if that would be a good thing....or not.

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

Who is Gene?, a receptionist I would guess, if she's getting aggressive then she needs rid of.

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

there will always be another Gene to take her place

'there once was receptionist called Gene
she was nasty and vicious and mean
when you came to see doctor
she got out the steel 'proctor...'
and said 'let's see if ya innards are clean'! bum bum

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

I think the hippy generation tried that before without surgery "Make love not war." and for all the good it did them, at least they tried.
It would be far better for society if they could remove the 'Greed Gene" that causes all the wars and violence in the world, someone always wants more than others, sort that one out and the world will be a far better place to live in.

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

I think someone hanging on a wooden cross tried to sort that one out?

Re: Doctor's Want To Get Rid Of Aggressive Gene

I think I'd go along with that one more than what has been suggested in this gene removal scenario - it would worry me that once they find a reason (and gain acceptance) to remove or inable one gene, what's stopping the next undesirable gene switch-off?

No Jem, I think you've hit the nail on the head with what causes a lot of aggressive behviour.