I came across an interesting article in the New Scientist about how artistic tendences can be linked to the schzophrenia gene.
Now most of us are familiar with the stereotype of tortured artists such Silvia Plath and Salvador Dali.
New research suggests that genetic mutation may be linked to psychosis and schizophrenia also influences creativity.
Szabolcs Kéri, a researcher at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, who carried out the study believes that the findings in this research could help explain why mutations that increase a persons risk of developing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar syndrome have been preserved, even preferred, during human evolution
Kéri examined a gene involved in brain development called neuregulin 1, which previous studies have linked to a slightly increased risk of schizophrenia. Moreover, a single DNA letter mutation that affects how much of the neuregulin 1 protein is made in the brain has been linked to psychosis, poor memory and sensitivity to criticism.
About 50 per cent of healthy Europeans have one copy of this mutation, while 15 per cent possess two copies.
