Newly discovered gene mutation reduces fear and anxiety, and increases social interaction

(University of Eastern Finland) Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Oulu have discovered of a new type of gene mutation that reduces fear and anxiety, and increases social interaction. The researchers employed gene manipulation technology to remove the P4h-tm gene from the mouse genome and found an unexpected change in mouse behaviour. P4h-tm knockout mice showed striking courage and a lack of learned helplessness compared to congenic wild-type mice with a functional P4h-tm gene.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science http://bit.ly/2LeIM2F