Posted on 09/17/2002 8:21:39 AM PDT by blam
Genes may be reason for Jews' low alcoholism rate
Genes, and not religious conviction, explain why Jewish people typically have fewer drink problems than non-Jews.
Researchers in the US say a genetic mutation carried by at least a fifth of Jews appears to protect against alcoholism.
The same inherited trait is fairly common in Asian people, but is much rarer in white Europeans.
The Daily Telegraph says the findings could help explain why Israel has one of the lowest levels of alcoholism in the developed world.
The mutation, called ADH2*2, is involved in the way the body breaks down alcohol in the bloodstream.
Scientists are unsure exactly how it protects against alcoholism, but it is thought to increase levels of the toxic chemical acetaldehyde - a by-product of alcohol metabolism. At high levels, acetaldehyde causes headaches, nausea and flushing.
Almost all white Europeans lack the ADH2*2 variation and so produce less of the by-product. Thus drinking tends to be more pleasurable, increasing the risks of alcoholism.
The new study, published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, looked at the relationship between the gene variant and alcoholism among 75 Israeli Jews aged 22 to 65.
The study's author, Dr Deborah Hasin, from Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, said: "This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that this genetic variation has a protective effect against alcoholism among Jewish groups."
Story filed: 08:34 Tuesday 17th September 2002
Jews are part of a nation. A nation is defined by culture, language, geography, religion, and traditions, or a combination thereof. The jews have at least 4 0f the 5 going for them. By the way, all humans are of the same "race" - the human race.
I live on a 1/2-acre lot in New Jersey with my two German sheprherds. You describe my dreamlife.
So, can I move into your neighborhood? I'd love to get a few more puppies --- to have four, maybe, as you do. We'll hang out together, and you'll get to know at least one Jew.
Somehow I feel my views (conservative, partiot, supporter of the 2nd Ammendment and our Constitution in general) will not be viewed as strange in your neck of the woods. I don't hunt, though, but can make a pretty mean steak on the grill. What say you?
Really? Where is your evidence that indians are predisposed genetically to abuse alchol? Their tolerance for alcohol probably has something to do with genetics since a population will adapt over generations to large consumptions of alcohol, e.g. the irish. The indians, however, were isolated for hundreds of years and were not exposed to drink, and therefore their bodies cannot now handle large amounts without falling apart. But this is a far cry from saying that a gene predisposes them to alcohol abuse. There is zero evidence for this. Human bodies will adapt over time to certain conditions, but new genes never appear. Whatever information is in the human genome was there at the beginning, only now the genome has deteriorated from what it was originally. This is quite the opposite from neodarwinian theory - which is a bunch of crapola.
We have different cultures because we speak different languages
Language is hardly the only definer of culture. If you don't think DNA influences behavior and if you don't think behavior (collectively) influences culture than I merely think you are wrong.....your science notwithstanding.
I never said genetics and culture were one in the same so therfore how can I be mistakening one for the other. I said then and I will say now that genetics influences behavior influences culture....along with many other variables of which I've already mentioned some. My original response to you was that race is a fairly reasonable classifier of physical differences between modern man. I regret that offends your sensibilities.....or science. Now let's take Swedes and Koreans. Since both live in fairly cold climates near water, why do they have differing cultures and appearances? Do you really think Koreans morphed into dark haired sharper eye lidded and smaller folks because of asthetic appeal. And Swedes evolved into their rough physical standard for the same reason? Sorry I don't buy that.
"It's not unreasonable to assume that other traits used to define "race", such as white or black skin, straight blond or dark kinky hair, were also originally selected for their aesthetic appeal. There's nothing PC about this.
You surmise that we all evolved into our various physical differences which can in my view be broken down into 3 main race classifications (with hybrid subsets) because ancient ancestors preferred certain characteristics? LOL...well if we all started in East Africa ...why don't we all look like Kenyans or Ehtiopians....or did all those original Homo-Sapiens who preferred light skin and blonde hair all migrate to Western Europe....really now.
French and English are similar. What about Chinese vs. English? Do you think that the drastic differences in the written forms could influence selection over time?
From this link click
I would like to see proof that as human bodies have evolved over the eons that no genetic changes take place. I don't agree with that.
BTW, I'm no Darwinist per se...quite the opposite....I see many holes in the theory of evolution from amino macid soup to today's man but that doesn't mean I don't think we have not had some genetic alteration....as opposed to waht you called "new genes".
Culture and collective behavior also play a large part in alcoholism btw.
The key word in what you posted is "potential." You must remember that all of our beliefs are determined by our worldview. If you believe man is not a created being, but he "evolved," then all studies of humans and other life are going to be influenced by that presupposition. What is your worldview? Was man created or did he evolve? Those are your only two choices.
There are a few things which genetics has some bearing on: average IQ (despite the Left's effort to deny it), average testosterone production (which affects aggressiveness level). The various genetic traits, in addition to the environmental factors, would have some bearing on what sort of culture evolved
Somehow I feel my views (conservative, partiot, supporter of the 2nd Ammendment and our Constitution in general) will not be viewed as strange in your neck of the woods. I don't hunt, though, but can make a pretty mean steak on the grill. What say you?"
Sure, come on down. There are some beautiful areas on the bay for sale, developed or undeveloped. You would probably get along well with my son FReeper "Charge Carrier", with you being a TopQuark and such.
I noticed this a lot while I lived in Japan.
Culture has nothing to do with it. The various tribes had/have different cultures,and I'm not aware of a single Indian tribe whose members don't have problems handling alcohol. There may be one,but I'm not aware of it.
They are obviously genetically predisposed to abuse alcohol
Yup. I'm sure one part of it that we just like to fight,and alcohol is the perfect accessory for this tendency. Give a Indian a pint of liquor or a six-pak,and he will attack hell with a bucket of water. Like many other Indians (I'm a Tuscarora) I was raised in the white culture,and there weren't even any other Indians anywhere around that I was aware of. None the less,I took to whiskey like a duck takes to water. I was a "blackout drinker" who didn't pass out. I could get drunk on 3 beers,but could drink all day. I'd black out mentally,but would still be drinking,moving around,and breaking things. There were good reasons for it being illegal to sell Indians whiskey.
and occupy an environment conducive to such behavior hence their genetics is indeed influencing their behavior and in turn their culture.
"and occupy an environment....". What is that supposed to mean,that drunks go to bars or keep alcohol in their houses? That ain't exactly a profound statement,even if it is cicrular logic.
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