Emory University Study Claims Great News for Cheaters: It’s All in the Genes
Cheating lovers may have a new, scientifically-based excuse for their unfaithful ways: they just have the wrong gene. According to a recent Emory University study using voles (mouse-like rodents), there is now evidence that, at least in these creatures, monogamous tendencies are inherited.
While the odds are against the occurrence, being that only five percent of mammals are naturally monogamous, prairie vole males appear to remain faithful to only one female vole through their entire lives. Oddly, the meadow vole (or field mouse) lacks this tendency. Researchers at Emory studied the sexual and social behavior of these creatures in an effort to determine the root of the discrepancy.
After careful research and observation of the social habits of voles, researchers injected some male meadow voles with the gene present in prairie voles that they believed was linked to monogamy. The injected meadow voles generally chose to stay with their current sexual partner instead of demonstrating the typical behavior of leaving her after sex.
The specific gene believed to be linked to monogamy is one containing the hormone vasopressin, which has been shown to be a link to pleasure receptors in the brain. It is also the hormone associated with the pleasurable feeling of sex. Therefore, the conclusion drawn is that the vasopressin present in the gene injected into the meadow voles made them associate the feeling of sex with their current mate.
What are the implications for humans? According to Emory researcher Larry Young, when it comes to human commitment, “The variation that we see is probably a combination of the environment interacting with those genes to shape our behavior” (ajc.com).
The nature-nurture argument is at its best here, but nature has undoubtedly won this round when it comes to the sexual behavior of voles. As Young stated, however, there is likely an environmental factor additionally at work when it comes to human beings.
The disconcerting side of this study is the implication that voles only remain faithful to one partner due to sexual impulses. The vasopressin idea presents a dilemma for those who feel that partners remain together based on a not-entirely-sexual bond. Undoubtedly, the pleasure of sex plays a role in partners remaining together for the rest of their lives, but most would argue that it is not the sole reason a couple stays together. There must be something beyond a simple gene or hormone that makes people monogamous. It is possible that there is another bond-forming gene or paternal tendency that researchers have not yet discovered in male humans. Many, however, like to think that the reason couples stay together is due to a crazy little thing called love.
As Emory continues to break new scientific ground, voles all over are rejoicing at the news that cheating ways may not be their faults. Prairie voles continue to raise their many children with their sole partner while their meadow cousins flit from female to female. At least now they can all have some closure.
