© 2002, AAAS
Using BOLD fMRI, researchers demonstrate that carriers of the serotonin transporter gene s (short) allele, which presumably have higher synaptic serotonin levels, exhibit greater neuronal activity in the amygdala than individuals homozygous for the l (long) allele when confronted with threatening stimuli. The difference may account for increased fear and anxiety associated with the s allele. (Reprinted from A.R. Hariri et al.,
Deciphering genetic relationships in cognitive function takes serious effort. Michael Posner at the University of Oregon in Eugene and colleagues found that a diminished ability to focus could be linked to two specific mutations.1 The study involved a battery of genetic and cognitive tests given to more than 200 people. A year later, in 2003, Posner added clarity to the finding using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The researchers linked the mutations to differing activity in the anterior cingulate cortex.2 This study ...
