I really liked the article "The Identity Dance". I liked reading about the different sets of twins and how some were similar to each other and some were different from each other. Identical twins prove the idea that DNA shapes who we are because they are clones of each other, yet they are different. They may like the same things, but their personalities and preferences are different. DNA does shape who we are but not to the extent that researchers initially believed. I find it very fascinating that there have been studies done to show how DNA can affect who you are, based on what you have experienced. The study about depression particularly piqued my interest because depression is so prevalent in our society. The research showed that 43% of people who experience 4 or more traumatic events in their early adulthood and who had the short genes became clinically depressed while only 17% of those who either had the short gene or the long genes or didn't experience 4 or more traumatic events in early adulthood. A similar study was also done with monkeys, and those who were raised in the nursery and had the short gene were at a higher risk for being and alcoholic, aggressive, and depressed compared to monkeys who had the long gene or the monkeys with the short genes raised by their mothers. These studies show how much outside influences can impact our lives. My husband and I have a Rottweiler mix named Diesel. I have found that when I talk about him, some people automatically think that he is mean, because there are some that are. I think that any dog could be mean, if you raise it that way, but if you raise them to be gentle and kind, then that is what they are going to be. These studies show this is true. If they are nurtured they have a better chance of the short gene not being expressed just like any other dog. If the animal has a traumatic up bringing they may be aggressive. I would like to know more about what other diseases are affected ones life experiences in early adulthood. If we knew what triggered certain diseases maybe we could make an effort so that they can be avoided all together.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Reflection Blog 1
I really liked the article "The Identity Dance". I liked reading about the different sets of twins and how some were similar to each other and some were different from each other. Identical twins prove the idea that DNA shapes who we are because they are clones of each other, yet they are different. They may like the same things, but their personalities and preferences are different. DNA does shape who we are but not to the extent that researchers initially believed. I find it very fascinating that there have been studies done to show how DNA can affect who you are, based on what you have experienced. The study about depression particularly piqued my interest because depression is so prevalent in our society. The research showed that 43% of people who experience 4 or more traumatic events in their early adulthood and who had the short genes became clinically depressed while only 17% of those who either had the short gene or the long genes or didn't experience 4 or more traumatic events in early adulthood. A similar study was also done with monkeys, and those who were raised in the nursery and had the short gene were at a higher risk for being and alcoholic, aggressive, and depressed compared to monkeys who had the long gene or the monkeys with the short genes raised by their mothers. These studies show how much outside influences can impact our lives. My husband and I have a Rottweiler mix named Diesel. I have found that when I talk about him, some people automatically think that he is mean, because there are some that are. I think that any dog could be mean, if you raise it that way, but if you raise them to be gentle and kind, then that is what they are going to be. These studies show this is true. If they are nurtured they have a better chance of the short gene not being expressed just like any other dog. If the animal has a traumatic up bringing they may be aggressive. I would like to know more about what other diseases are affected ones life experiences in early adulthood. If we knew what triggered certain diseases maybe we could make an effort so that they can be avoided all together.
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I myself also found the article very interesting. Its crazy to see how we all start out the same and yet we all process and view things in such a unique way. It just shows that same DNA or not we are all individuals where we look exactly alike or not.
ReplyDeleteI found this article interesting as well. It is interesting how even with the same genetic code just the presence of a caring parent can help us adjust so much more to things around us. Having three kids has made me a firm believer in how much nurture affects and shapes our personality and coping abilities.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth McMains
I think your example about your rottweiler is interesting. As I understand it, dogs like rottweilers were bred at one time to be protective watchdogs, so likely a gene that encouraged protectiveness was favored. So, we have a breed that might be more likely to have this protective gene, then an owner or their environment is abusive, and the dog's protective gene is turned "on." My folks have a pitt bull and I think of it the same way. He's probably got it in his DNA to be aggressive or protective, but because he's always been in a kind and mellow environment, he doesn't express that side at all.
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