Rogue gene makes boys gang up
12 April 2012
A rogue "warrior gene" could make teenager boys more likely to join gangs, it emerged today.
The gene, a specific variation of the Monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA), affects levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Boys who have low MAOA activity are more likely to join gangs.
The gene defect has no effect on girls, however. Scientists have previously linked the gene to anti-social behaviour but have not been able to confirm the link with gangs and guns until now.
Kevin Beaver, of Florida's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said of his research: "We found that variants of this gene could distinguish gang members who were more likely to use weapons."
