Acting Selfish? Blame Your Mother!

AUTHOR: Science Daily/ University of Oxford

PUBLICATION NAME: ScienceDaily.com

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Septemeber 07, 2010.

SUMMARY:
In a recent study of social behavior between our female and male ancestors states that our female ancestors cause us to have more conflicts with others. The reason why our social behavior is selfish is because of our female ancestors and the reason why we are unselfish or devoted to the welfare of others is because of our male ancestors. Our brains create more conflict with others because our female ancestors were more dispersed than our male ancestors.


The Scientists from Oxford University and the University of Tennessee put this study to the test by using the process called "genomic imprinting", the genetic fact by which certain genes are expressed in a parent's specific manner. Historically, the female ancestors dispersed more than men, which makes them to be less related to their neighbors. The female ancestors being more dispersed than men is the case of ancestral humans. Because the men were more related to their neighbors they wouldn't have any disagreements or conflicts due to the similarities both genes have already. The female gene will not be kind to others at times but the male gene will be kind. Both genes are in conflict whether we should be selfish or unselfish. The study reveals that they have tried to mutate the imprinted genes, however it can lead to disorders. These results are important because it can cause disorders to the brain such as autism and psychosis. Autism is a disorder that causes you to make repetitive actions. Psychosis is a disorder that keeps you loss in contact with reality. This behavior changes the field of Psychology because now we know where we get our selfish feeling from. It's a positive and negative thing to know because when we see our mother's throwing a tantrum and being selfish over a small thing, we know not to act like that. This research is considered existing research because of the studies they put towards both female, males and infants.


LINKS TO STUDY:  No Original Links to Study.

ARTICLE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100905164034.htm

SUBMITTED BY: Erikacamisse Diaz