The Fear Gene?

[shoe]

A study was done with mice that identified a gene that plays a part in fear conditioning, called 'stathmin'. These genes are found in high concentrations in the Amygdala, what has been previously labeled as a 'fear center of the brain' (although it has a range of other functions).

Mice lacking the stathmin gene were less prone to developing fears and having anxiety, due to various pain stimuli they received.

Scientists believe this may lead to a whole new way to treat anxiety disorders.. but I wonder.. what about the things we SHOULD learn fear of, like playing with snakes and tigers and fire... hehe

http://www.psycport.com/showArticle.cfm?xmlFile=nytsyn%5F2005%5F11%5F17%5F medic%5F3445%2D0006%2Dpat%5Fnytimes%2Eew%2Exml&provider=New%20York%20Times%20Syndicate

[MainerMikeBrown]

Shoe, you have good reason to worry that new ways of treatment for anxiety can actually work too well. If someone's anxiety decreases too much, the person will be more likely to take foolishly high risks and not worry about important issues in his or her life.