A recent study consisting of over 2,000 U.S teenagers, it has been discovered that males with a specific gene in their DNA, known as the MAOA are far more likely to join street gang as against those with a different type of the MAOA genes. Moreover, teens with the mutated version of the MAOA gene are more likely to draw and use a weapon.

According to Kev in Beaver (Biosocial criminologist, Florida State University);

“For the most part, people haven’t really thought of the biological or genetic underpinnings to gang membership.”

One of the most common of mutations found in the MAOA gene, is the reduced levels of a certain protein, known as monoamine oxidase A. This essential chemical in our nervous system is a key component in the recycling of chemicals that hep induce the foster neuron connections.

It has been observed that, the victims of child abuse, who tend to show extensive levels of anti-social behavior have a substantially low level of MAOA activity. On the other other, those who have no history of abuse or criminal activities, tend to have shrunken regions of the brain, that is responsible for perceiving and controlling of emotions.

According to New Scientist; “To determine whether an environment besides an abusive childhood could elicit MAOA’s connection to violence, Beaver’s team looked at the genotypes of 1155 females and 1041 males who participated in a long-term study of adolescent health that covered the period 1994 to 2002.”

The results from this study were astounding, as it revealed that 42% of all males showed minimum levels of the MAOA gene and 5% of the males confessed to some sort of affiliation with one gang or another. However, the study concluded that, the males with the low form of MAOA were more likely to join a gang than those with accelerated form of the gene.

Via New Scientist.