the good with the bad...

just as large aspects of one's social responsibility may be genetic, bbc news reports on a new study indicating that antisocial behavior may also have genetic ties.

unlike with eye color, genes aren't destiny where most behaviors are concerned. psychologists stress the importance of environmental factors to act as a buffer against this genetic predisposition, or conversely create antisocial behaviors in those without the gene.

this is great news, in many ways. individual children known to have this predisposition can be treated in specific ways to dampen their natural impulse. generalizing this recommendation to social policy has one huge caveat - many delinquents may not be genetically predisposed:

Professor Marian Fitzgerald, visiting professor of criminology at the University of Kent, said this early-onset anti-social behaviour was different from that seen more commonly among teens aged 15-17.

"Most people who get involved in crime and anti-social behaviour are not genetically predisposed.

"A lot of kids get swept up in their teens and there are many social, economic and environmental factors involved. Most grow out of it.

"Obviously, individuals with genetic factors that predispose them to this behaviour will be more at risk. But tackling this small number of people will not make a big difference for society.