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Diana
Inspector
Username: Diana
Post Number: 442
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 9:11 am: | 
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I read recently that the scientists have come up with a new gadget called a microarray or chip. It is used to scan an individual's DNA for particular problems which might run in his/her family.
With the completion of the human genome project comes the possibility of examining the DNA of SK's to see if there is a genetic basis for what they do.
Of course the social implications would be staggering. The gene, if there is one, would probably be labled the Jack the Ripper Gene by the media.
All sorts of questions would arise about whether the person could be held responsible for what they did. (I think they could but I'm sure defense attorneys would have a field day.)
Then there would be the issue of screening. Should people be screened on a mass basis for this? If you find a six year old with the JTR gene what do you do? If you are the parent of this six year old what do you do? (One thing you do not do is to confide in anyone. If it gets back to your kid's playmates parents, he or she becomes a pariah.)
Do you screen every convicted felon? (probably)
If we knew exactly how this gene affected a person's brain chemistry we could possibly design medications to block it's effects? Perhaps come up with gene therapy to get rid of it?
One thing is for sure. Everyone on these boards would be clamoring to exhume all the suspects and check their DNA! |
Robert Charles Linford
Assistant Commissioner
Username: Robert
Post Number: 3711
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 8:01 pm: |
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Hi Diana
I'm not a scientist, but my guess would be that if there is indeed a genetic basis to serial killing, it will turn out to be linked to quite a number of genes in combination, rather than just one.
Do you know if they've yet done anything similar in the animal world, e.g. finding the genetic basis for rogue sharks, or cannibalistic crocodiles? That would presumably be a simpler thing to do, if it were possible.
Robert |
Diana
Inspector
Username: Diana
Post Number: 449
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 12:38 pm: |
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I think you're right, it probably would be a group of genes. Genes can affect more than one trait too. Its interesting that most SKs are bedwetters as children. The gene(s) in question could affect the urinary tract as well as the nervous system, or possibly neurological control of the urinary tract. |
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