NEWS in SCIENCE
Were you born happy?
By K.S.
Do you possess the love hormone?
Oxytocin is a chemical messenger released by a pea sized gland at the base of the brain that causes increased amounts of friendliness and love toward others. It is known as the “love hormone”. This hormone allows people to be friendlier and have greater social skills. Genes CD38 and CD157 monitor the oxytocin, or love in our body.
It’s all in your genes?
A group of researchers in Singapore have found in a study of young people that if they have a higher gene appearance of CD38 and CD157 the participants had better social skills, were friendlier and had closer friends.
1300 young Chinese individuals were given a series of tests in a non-clinical setting. The tests checked the participants’ ability of social interaction based on their importance of family, friends and interests.
Researchers also tested the comparison of the two genes which have been involved in autism research and the effects of social interaction. The study suggests that individuals who suffer from social avoidance, shyness or have difficulty building relationships may benefit from an increase in oxytocin. Such as people suffering from autism.
How can I get happy?
Much research has been done to improve the happiness through the use of oxytocin therapy. There are drugs that mimic the function of genes CD38 and CD157. If proven helpful, many people will benefit from the extreme difficulties of forming social and working relationships and benefit from a happier life.
Studies suggest that lacking the higher expression of genes CD38 and CD157 but living in a healthy, happy environment with loving families lessened the effects of not being happier and functioning well in social situations.
This research will also open doors for the autistic community to live more socially acceptable ways of communicating with the general public.
Please send any questions or comments to Dr. Spitzer (spitzern@marshall.edu )
Note: Any opinions expressed in these articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Dr. Spitzer, the Department of Biological Sciences, or Marshall University.