There is a gene in women that helps produce happiness, and researchers have just found it!
Low expression of the gene MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) was associated with increased happiness in adult females — but not in men.
Here's what the researchers said:
“…[L]ow expression of MAOA has been related to some negative outcomes like alcoholism, aggressiveness and anti-social behavior. It’s even called the warrior gene by some scientists; but, at least for women, our study points to a brighter side of this gene.”
Ouch, it's a double edged sword!
It was a relatively small study, though — they analyzed the DNA of 193 women and 152 men, cross-checking the results with the participants’ self-reported happiness scores.
If you're wondering how MAOA works, it's like antidepressants. It helps to break down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Weirdly enough, this could account for the paradox between men and women that women report more anxiety and mood disorders than men, but have more happiness too.
Science is AWESOME!
We wonder what kind of help for depression this will lead to!
[Image via AP Images.]
Tags: alcohol, alcoholism, anxiety, awesome, break, depression, disorder, female, happiness, increase, research, researchers, results, science, scientists, study, weird, women
