Exploring the mind of a killer | Jim Fallon

Summary

A neuroscientist from the University of California discusses his 35-year study on behavior, including genes, neurotransmitters, and brain circuit analysis. He recently analyzed brains of psychopathic killers, finding patterns of damage in the orbital cortex and temporal lobe. The MAO-A gene, linked to violence, is sex-linked and passed from mother to son. Early exposure to violence can trigger violent behavior in those with the gene. The speaker humorously reflects on his own family's violent history, including Lizzie Borden, and now conducts PET scans and genetic analyses on family members to understand potential risks.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The speaker is a neuroscientist and professor who has studied behavior through genetics, neurotransmitters, and brain circuit analysis.
• 🔍 He was asked to analyze the brains of psychopathic killers, leading to a deeper exploration of the neuroscience behind such behavior.
• 🧬 The study involved blind experiments with 70 brains, including those of murderers, serial killers, and normal individuals.
• 🧬🧪 The research focused on the interaction of genes, epigenetic effects, brain damage, and environment to understand the development of psychopathy and violence.
• 🗣 The speaker identified a pattern of brain damage in the orbital cortex and the interior part of the temporal lobe among murderers and serial killers.
• 🧬 The MAO-A gene, a 'major violence gene', was highlighted as a potential contributor to psychopathic behavior, especially when inherited from the mother.
• 🧪 Serotonin's role in brain development was discussed, noting how an excess can lead to insensitivity to it in later life, potentially contributing to violent tendencies.
• 👨‍👦 The speaker suggested that early exposure to violence, combined with the presence of the MAO-A gene, could be a 'recipe for disaster'.
• 🌐 The potential for concentrated violent tendencies in regions with constant violence was discussed, leading to a cycle of violence across generations.
• 🏡 The speaker humorously shared a personal revelation about his own family history, including Lizzie Borden and other murderers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of genetics.
• 🔎 In response to these findings, the speaker's family is conducting PET scans, EEGs, and genetic analyses to monitor for potential risks among family members.

Q & A

What is the speaker's profession and what has been the focus of their research for the past 35 years?

The speaker is a neuroscientist and a professor at the University of California. Their research has focused on behavior, studying everything from genes and neurotransmitters like dopamine to circuit analysis.

What unexpected area did the speaker delve into recently, and why?

The speaker recently started analyzing brains of psychopathic killers after a colleague asked for their expertise in this area.

How many brains has the speaker studied in relation to psychopathic killers?

The speaker has studied approximately 70 brains, including those of known psychopathic killers, in a blind experiment setup.

What is the significance of the orbital cortex and the interior part of the temporal lobe in the context of the speaker's research?

The speaker found that every serial killer and murderer they studied had damage to their orbital cortex and the interior part of the temporal lobe, indicating a pattern in the brains of these individuals.

What is the role of the MAO-A gene in the context of psychopathic behavior according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions the MAO-A gene, a variant of which is linked to increased aggression and violence. This gene is sex-linked and can be passed from mother to son, potentially contributing to the development of psychopathic tendencies.

How does the presence of the MAO-A gene variant affect brain development and later behavior?

The presence of the MAO-A gene variant can lead to an overabundance of serotonin in the brain during development, which can desensitize the brain to serotonin, potentially leading to aggressive behavior later in life.

What is the significance of early exposure to violence for individuals with the MAO-A gene variant?

For individuals with the MAO-A gene variant, early exposure to violence can be particularly influential. The speaker suggests that experiencing or witnessing violence at a young age can be a 'recipe for disaster' for these individuals.

How does the speaker's family history relate to the topic of psychopathic killers?

The speaker's family history includes several murderers, including Lizzie Borden and the first recorded case of matricide by a son. This personal connection adds a unique perspective to the speaker's research.

What action has the speaker taken regarding the potential genetic predisposition to psychopathic behavior in their family?

The speaker has initiated PET scans, EEGs, and genetic analyses for family members to identify any potential genetic markers or brain patterns associated with psychopathic behavior.

What was the surprising discovery regarding the speaker's children and their brain patterns?

The speaker found that one son and one daughter, who did not get along, had identical brain patterns and EEGs, suggesting a genetic or neurological basis for their behavior.

What is the moral of the story according to the speaker, and how does it relate to their research?

The moral of the story, as stated by the speaker, is that 'people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones,' implying that everyone has the potential for violence, and it's important to be cautious about judging others based on their genetic predispositions or behaviors.