Possible Monogamy Gene Found In People

Calopteryx sends in a New Scientist summary of research from Sweden pointing toward the existence of a gene that influences monogamy in men. (The article doesn't mention women, and the study subjects were all men at least 5 years into a heterosexual relationship.) "There has been speculation about the role of the hormone vasopressin in humans ever since we discovered that variations in where receptors for the hormone are expressed makes prairie voles strictly monogamous but meadow voles promiscuous; vasopressin is related to the 'cuddle chemical' oxytocin. Now it seems variations in a section of the gene coding for a vasopressin receptor in people help to determine whether men are serial commitment-phobes or devoted husbands."

George Clooney dubs it:

[Kingrames]

The pussy gene.

Disablites Act

[JohnHegarty]

Anyone want to start suggesting a relevant text for the update to the americans with disabilities act

A whole new round of testing

[TXISDude]

I see a whole brave new world of testing before pre-nuptials . . . But, if I have a defective gene, will that qualify me as handicapped under something like ADA? Will there be a high risk pool that I will be forced to "date" out of? So many questions . . .

And the Slashdot Gene

[MyLongNickName]

which renders someone unable to get any at all.

Great!!! [whatever] Control pills

[starglider29a]

In the early 60's we got birth control pills, which (some say) facilitated women being promiscuous. Now, we have 'husband control pills'

What happens if we miss a day? Do we take two then next and use alternate husband control methods. -- Sarcasm transmits across TCP/IP as well as it does other media

Gene also known to recede

[dedazo]

When confronted by large quantities of beer protein.

Not always a gene...

[Leomania]

In my case, it's a "Martha" that has the greatest influence over my monogamous inclinations.

Re:And the Slashdot Gene

[smittyoneeach]

And with this post, the discourse, if not the intercourse, was won.

Re:And the Slashdot Gene

[pilgrim23]

Honestly; would ANYONE want to cuddle a meadow vole?
Too much time, large research grant on their hands...

Further finding not mentioned in the summary

[thermian]

They also found that geeks tended to possess just half of this gene, which researchers postulate may explain their lack of ability to get a girlfriend.

Easy to spot the folks without the gene...

[scott792283]

just watch Jeremy Kyle.

Jumping the gun

[Anonymous Coward]

Wait until after you've had sex to make that call.

Oxytocin?

[ThanatosMinor]

That's not the cuddle chemical we used when I was in college

Oh great.. one more test to take!

[Pontiac]

Now your GF/Wife will want you to take the "Cheating bastard" DNA test too.

Re:Disablites Act

[Adriax]

"No really babe, I've got a mutation in my monogamy gene. I HAVE to sleep around, or I'll die."

Re:Hhhmm,

[bonehead]

In our current society, monogamy makes more sense.

Until you see the hot little redhead that just moved in across the street from me. Then polygamy starts looking pretty damn good again.

Exciting news.

[JPMallory]

Does this mean we may be able to finally develop a cure for monogamy?

Sorry baby, I'm a cheater, `cause it's in the DNA.

[houbou]

Will he/she buy that? Maybe there should be a cheater test kit. :)

Re:Great!!! [whatever] Control pills

[thermian]

In the early 60's we got birth control pills, which (some say) facilitated women being promiscuous. Now, we have 'husband control pills'

What happens if we miss a day? Do we take two then next and use alternate husband control methods.

Well to be safe you'd need to avoid monogamy for at least a month after missing a pill...

Re:i don't believe it

[Gat0r30y]

I've never had the slightest interest in anything except strict monogamy.

You sir, lack imagination.

Re:George Clooney dubs it:

[Anonymous Coward]

The pussy gene is typically found in people with XX chromosomes and prominently displayed in XXX movies.

interesting...

[Coraon]

Being polygamous I wonder if I have this gene...hehe I know my wife her girlfriend, and my two other partners don't. ;)

Re:A whole new round of testing

[joelwyland]

After reading your post, it's clear to me why you are having trouble finding a woman who is willing to let you touch it.

Re:George Clooney dubs it:

[Sponge Bath]

Of course.
Those in monogamous relationships get sex on demand and home cooked meals!

All my married friends tell me that.

Re:George Clooney dubs it:

[megaditto]

You joke now, but once they come up with a DIY test kit for "multiple cunt personality" genetic, guess what type of men will get all the pussy?

Re:Great!!! [whatever] Control pills

[starglider29a]

See... she has him on it already, and the poor blighter doesn't even know it.

Re:Gene also known to recede

[reverseengineer]

There might be some truth to that, actually- ethanol suppresses vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone) secretion, which is why alcoholic beverages tend to have a noticeable diuretic effect in addition to their disinhibition effects.

Re:interesting...

[need4mospd]

Your Second Life account doesn't count.

eharmony listing

[tedgyz]

So is "Genetically Monogomous" going to be incorporated into eharmony profiles?

Re:George Clooney dubs it:

[Anonymous Coward]

The parent must be sad that he has not met anyone with mythical XX chromosomes.

Re:Study shows 1 in 2 people are monogomous...(fix

[russotto]

Seen it too many times. 1 in every 2 people is poly meaning if your mono, chances are your partner is not.

This is slashdot. Which means that a lot of those non-polys ain't mono, they're zippo.

Re:A whole new round of testing

[philspear]

Does it have anything to do with the phrase he coined: "insanely monogmous"? Spelling aside, how are you insanely monogamous? Isn't that a little like saying someone is "Extremely not on fire?"

Monogamy is great! I want to promote it!

[Tetsujin]

If I had one of those monogamy genes, I'd want to help it thrive - so I'd go find a bunch o' girls and get 'em pregnant...

Re:A whole new round of testing

[Artifakt]

I just looked around - I'm in an air conditioned office, no sources of ignition around me, sitting cool and comfortable and extremely not on fire... No wait, Bob just lit a cigarette, so I'm down to thoroughly not on fire... No, Bob's running around with his tie in flames right now, so I guess I'm moderately not on fire... Whoops, dodging a flaming Bob, but I'm still marginally not on fire...

Thank God for science

[Slur]

Scientific study has now shown that people are likely gay from the time they're born due to differences in brain structure.

Science has discovered that Toxoplasmosis makes women more promiscuous and men more foolish.

Through statistical surveys we know that a vast number of people suffer from addiction, organic maladies, and depression.

Now through the science of genetics we are able to see a correlation suggesting why some humans may desire to be more liberal in the distribution of their DNA.

I find it amazing all the factors that go into making humans be who they are, to make and accept the choices they do, and how much of it is determined by prior conditions. As human nature is being illuminated by science, I find it deepens my appreciation of this human condition, to realize the aspects of our nature that we have to work with, and how one part of us can want to stay committed to one path but be struggling with other aspects of our nature that draw us elsewhere.

And so it also strikes me how much the imagination plays a part in outlining the whole human experience and determining whether we overcome our sometimes outmoded natural impulses.

Re:No Monogamy Gene

[syousef]

Why would a man not screw around as much as possible?
In short, because our young are vulnerable after birth, require a fairly large energy investment, and are few in number.

As a new father I have to say I concur! Well that, and the fact that my wife's got a black belt in Karate.

(I kid, though she does really have a black belt)