Fear Can Be Extinguished Through DNA Modification

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

http://sparkonit.com/2014/05/05/fear-can-be-extinguished-through-dna-modification/

Everyday scientists are discovering new genes, studying their effects and trying to come up with ways to change faulty genes that would change the character the gene influences. Neuroscientists at the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) are claiming to have found a way to silence the gene that causes us to feel ‘fear’.

People are afraid of different stuff, from dark to heights or insects or clowns. All these phobias are controlled by a particular gene. Not only that but this gene also influences other fear related memories that are a part of different anxiety disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This gene can be turned off by controlling a novel mechanism of gene regulation associated with fear extinction, an inhibitory learning process thought to be critical for controlling fear.

According to Dr. Bredy, who is a senior researcher at QBI, genes function is not static but dynamic which can be altered by our daily life experiences and emotionally relevant events have a pronounced effect. He said that by understanding how DNA impacts this, they can invent therapeutic methods for fear-related anxiety disorders.

The existing discovery the study made is an epigenetic state that appears to be specific for fear extinction.

This is the first study of its kind that contemplates how fear is controlled by genes and can be extinguished through modification of DNA. The study also highlights the adaptive significance of changes brought into chromatin landscape in the adult brain.

What do you think about this?

 

[seasidemike]

I hope not, it is one of our major self defense mechanisms.

 

[DrLeftover]

That doesn't sound like a good or even reasonable thing to do.

If somebody has a paralyzing phobia of something that prevents them from leading a normal life, it might seem like a good idea to 'turn off' that gene, but then, what happens? Are they then suddenly without ALL fear, including reasonable ones like being afraid of poisonous snakes?

 

[Evil Eye]

That doesn't sound like a good or even reasonable thing to do.

I have to agree. Unless they can turn off a specific fear or only reduce extreme fear to manageable levels, this is potentially very harmful.

 

[DrLeftover]

Scientists need to learn; it's never a good idea to play God.

Perhaps the politicians could teach them that one.

oh, wait....

 

[McConnaughay]

I'd try it. It would probably have more harm than good, but at the same time, if you don't have fear, it doesn't necessarily make you stupid. You won't be afraid of snakes, but wouldn't you still know that they are deadly and calmly walk away from them?

 

[Lugassy]

I'd try it. It would probably have more harm than good, but at the same time, if you don't have fear, it doesn't necessarily make you stupid. You won't be afraid of snakes, but wouldn't you still know that they are deadly and calmly walk away from them?

Fear can affect judgement so one could say that without out it we can analyze the situation easier. Of course like anything else, I'm sure there would be some exception.