Our Genes and Us: Making It In A Tough Environment—Predict My Future: The Dunedin Longitudinal Study, DVD

Part of the Series : Predict My Future: The Dunedin Longitudinal Study

The argument of nature versus nurture has been widely debated, but recent evidence suggests that it is actually a matter of nature via nurture. In 1972, researchers in Dunedin, New Zealand began studying all of the babies born that year, with intentions to follow them throughout their lifetimes. Now adults, the 1037 subjects are the most studied human beings on the planet, and the resulting data provides significant insight into who we are. In this episode, learn how scientists study genes and environment in three specific areas – violence in men, depression, and cannabis induced schizophrenia.

Length: 46 minutes

ORDER CODE: BVL111676

ISBN: 978-1-68272-640-2

Copyright date: ©2015

Closed Captioned

Performance Rights

Contents

What Makes Me Who I Am? (02:52)
The Dunedin Study begins in 1972, following the lives of all babies born in the New Zealand city that year. Today, the 1037 now adults are the most studied people in history. Malcolm Cook describes his history of violent attacks.

Impacts of Violent Crime (02:36)
Professor Richie Poulton explains that the anti-social behavior of violent criminals causes harm both to the victim and society. Professor Terrie Moffitt describes the problems with rehabilitation and jail. Johann Lavater publishes "Essays on Physiognomy" in 1775, and Francis Galton tries to make composites of known offenders to predict facial qualities of future offenders.

MAOA Gene (04:10)
Researchers begin to look at the data in the Dunedin Study to learn how early in a person's life it is evident that they will turn to crime. The commonality is a history of violent treatment or neglect during childhood, although many children of violence grow to have non-violent lives. Scientists begin looking at genes.

Similar Genes (03:41)
Cook describes his violent experiences in jail. Dr. Amanda Dettmer-Erard describes the human qualities that she sees in the monkeys she studies. Professor Stephen Suomi explains that similar to what can be found in humans, about 5% of monkeys are excessively aggressive and avoided by the other monkeys.

MAOA and Abuse (02:32)
Researchers begin looking at people with both the MAOA gene and an abusive upbringing. 85% of these adults show some form of anti-social behavior. These results can also be found in monkeys.

Nature and Nurture (03:37)
Professor James Fallon studies the part of the brain effected by MAOA. After looking at his own brain, he finds that he shares physical commonalities with convicted murderers and serial killers. He is forced to admit to colleagues that his previous notions on environment in relation to genes had been wrong.

5-HTT Serotonin Transporter (07:13)
On February 2, 2011 a massive earthquake hits Christchurch, New Zealand. Dunedin researches begin to look at genes in relation to depression. Professor Ahmad Hariri studies how the brain responds to pictures of faces.

COMT Gene (06:34)
The Dunedin researchers begin looking at cannabis use in relation to genes. Moffitt explains how chemicals can draw a reaction from genes.

Cannabis and IQ (02:25)
The Dunedin research reveals that users smoking cannabis before the age of 18 lose an average of 8 IQ points. Moffitt describes the difference that these points make.

Pros and Cons (04:41)
Bad genes may be good in the right circumstances. Listen to examples of how these genes can be nurtured positively.

Genotype Problems and Future (03:45)
Experts discuss the legal impacts of the Dunedin Study, as well as the vulnerabilities in the workplace. Listen to a summary of this video.

Credits: Our Genes and Us: Making It In A Tough Environment—Predict My Future: The Dunedin Longitudinal Study (00:54)