Horror film gene that makes some scream while others...
Rated • 18 reviews • cognitive science, genetics, neuroscience • telegraph.co.uk
This is pretty interesting.
"A particular variant of the 'COMT' gene affects a chemical in the brain that is linked to anxiety. People who have two copies of one version of the gene are more easily disturbed when viewing unpleasant pictures. That version of the gene weakens the effect of a signaling chemical in the brain that helps control certain emotions. Scientists (have) found that those carrying two copies of it were significantly more startled by frightening images than others.
By contrast, those who had one copy of the gene and one copy of another version were able to keep their emotions in check far more readily. The study, published today in the scientific journal Behavioural Neuroscience, also found that those with two copies of the latter gene were also able to keep a lid on their anxiety more easily."
It's thought that this is why some people will become frightened by things like horror movies, while others will simply laugh. Personally, I get startled really easily and have always had a hard time with certain types of disturbing imagery. I'll get freaked out by scary movies, but the majority of my friends are people who will laugh. It's actually quite helpful to have friends that are able to laugh at that kind of thing because their laughter removes a lot of the scare factor for myself.
