(70) PBS Nova Documentary Collection: CAN SCIENCE STOP CRIME

<h3 id="581a0942-925e-4259-b8b9-6816a18c33c8" data-toc-id="581a0942-925e-4259-b8b9-6816a18c33c8" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Introduction</h3><ul><li><p>Host: David Pogue</p></li><li><p>Focus: Tracking down cutting-edge research in crime fighting</p></li></ul><h3 id="a63438de-bf7b-4c16-b708-27ebff237afe" data-toc-id="a63438de-bf7b-4c16-b708-27ebff237afe" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Nature vs. Nurture in Violence</h3><ul><li><p>Question: Are killers born or made?</p></li><li><p>Exploring the concept of the <strong>warrior gene</strong> linked to higher aggression in some individuals.</p></li><li><p>Genetics may predispose certain individuals to violence.</p></li></ul><h3 id="ce4ee580-17a6-43ea-93ed-898b9db943b6" data-toc-id="ce4ee580-17a6-43ea-93ed-898b9db943b6" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Insights into the Criminal Mind</h3><ul><li><p>Environments can alter brain wiring.</p></li><li><p>New tech to detect lies in the brain before spoken.</p></li><li><p>Investigators can estimate time of death—important for solving crimes.</p></li></ul><h3 id="9fe4d6df-8044-4523-a6dc-8f5c39d845e4" data-toc-id="9fe4d6df-8044-4523-a6dc-8f5c39d845e4" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Violence and Environment</h3><ul><li><p>Eugene "The Wolf" Jackson: Trainer using martial arts to deter youth from gang violence.</p></li><li><p>Case study: Nico, a young fighter involved in a gang, now focusing on boxing.</p></li></ul><h3 id="dcfa2816-d084-4c6e-9742-f93025cc057e" data-toc-id="dcfa2816-d084-4c6e-9742-f93025cc057e" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Genetic Factors in Aggression</h3><ul><li><p>Criminologist Kevin Beaver’s research: genetic profiles linked to aggression.</p></li><li><p><strong>MAOA gene</strong>: associated with neurotransmitter regulation; a less active version may increase aggression.</p></li></ul><h3 id="db83f1a3-5a07-4a69-b181-2635994cfdea" data-toc-id="db83f1a3-5a07-4a69-b181-2635994cfdea" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Evidence from Animal Studies</h3><ul><li><p>Mice engineered to have dysfunctional MAOA gene display increased aggression.</p></li><li><p>Neuroscientist Joshua Buckholz’s findings: less gray matter linked to heightened aggression.</p></li></ul><h3 id="c031b13e-bad2-4a15-bcb2-258d48efcae8" data-toc-id="c031b13e-bad2-4a15-bcb2-258d48efcae8" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Brian Function and Aggression</h3><ul><li><p>Explanation using a snake vs. stick scenario to illustrate brain circuitry associated with emotions.</p></li><li><p>Findings: Individuals with the warrior gene have more active amygdalae and less gray matter in related circuits.</p></li></ul><h3 id="964ceebd-14c3-4095-a1cc-9c21f66d1a98" data-toc-id="964ceebd-14c3-4095-a1cc-9c21f66d1a98" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">The Complexity of Violence</h3><ul><li><p>The creation of a violent mind is multifaceted; not determined by a single gene.</p></li><li><p>James Fallon: personal discovery of familial predisposition to violence and its effects.</p></li><li><p>Fallon's positive upbringing counteracted potential aggressiveness from his genetic predisposition.</p></li></ul><h3 id="a45790bd-5955-4ad1-b539-eca59f553c67" data-toc-id="a45790bd-5955-4ad1-b539-eca59f553c67" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Effects of Environment on Aggression</h3><ul><li><p>Environmental elements can change brain structure and emotion-related circuitry.</p></li><li><p>Positive environments may mitigate the impact of potential genetic predispositions to violence.</p></li></ul><h3 id="30e25ffb-f241-4c71-a6e3-913e14d0cae3" data-toc-id="30e25ffb-f241-4c71-a6e3-913e14d0cae3" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Forensic Studies of Decomposition</h3><ul><li><p>Texas State University research on human decomposition in various environments.</p></li><li><p>Understanding how factors like temperature and scavenger behavior (e.g., vultures) affect body decomposition rates.</p></li></ul><h3 id="2a84b695-f70b-46f6-9dc5-182f0fa5adf5" data-toc-id="2a84b695-f70b-46f6-9dc5-182f0fa5adf5" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Estimating Time of Death</h3><ul><li><p>Importance in criminal investigations; often involves factors like rigor mortis and environmental conditions.</p></li><li><p>Forensic pathologist Peter Cummings explains how to estimate time of death through various physical changes post-mortem.</p></li></ul><h3 id="3f598605-f744-424a-b8df-f7c530591e5d" data-toc-id="3f598605-f744-424a-b8df-f7c530591e5d" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Polygraph Limitations</h3><ul><li><p>Polygraphs measure biological responses to stress during questioning.</p></li><li><p>Effectiveness may vary by individual; not always reliable for lie detection.</p></li></ul><h3 id="03a1ce24-669e-4e9c-9573-7c10cc773cb1" data-toc-id="03a1ce24-669e-4e9c-9573-7c10cc773cb1" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Advancements in Lie Detection</h3><ul><li><p>New research exploring brain activity and deception detection at a neural level.</p></li><li><p>Using EEG technology to measure brainwaves associated with lying.</p></li></ul><h3 id="4d79d856-03e3-4447-9e34-3c1ecbc74e6a" data-toc-id="4d79d856-03e3-4447-9e34-3c1ecbc74e6a" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Cybercrime and Security</h3><ul><li><p>Yoshi Kono: expert hacker working for ethical hacking in cybersecurity.</p></li><li><p>Potential vulnerabilities in everyday technology (e.g., cars, medical devices) from cybercrime.</p></li></ul><h3 id="358cedae-dc89-46b2-b492-87c449531d0b" data-toc-id="358cedae-dc89-46b2-b492-87c449531d0b" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Preventing Cybercrime</h3><ul><li><p>Yoshi highlights the aggressive approach needed to protect future technologies from being hacked.</p></li><li><p>Importance of understanding technology and vulnerabilities to safeguard personal information and devices.</p></li></ul><h3 id="e4428411-6c90-4dcd-9258-ddd043966f0f" data-toc-id="e4428411-6c90-4dcd-9258-ddd043966f0f" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Conclusion</h3><ul><li><p>Emphasis on the relationship between genetics, environment, and behavior in crime.</p></li><li><p>The innovative approaches in forensic science and technology aim to enhance crime fighting capabilities.</p></li></ul><p></p><h4 id="61e685e8-dd3e-4ed1-80d0-069143ba76a1" data-toc-id="61e685e8-dd3e-4ed1-80d0-069143ba76a1" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Evidence for Genes Influencing Behavior</h4><ul><li><p><strong>Genetic Factors in Aggression</strong>: Criminologist Kevin Beaver’s research indicates that certain genetic profiles are linked to aggressive behavior.</p><ul><li><p><strong>MAOA Gene</strong>: The MAOA gene, responsible for neurotransmitter regulation, has a less active version that may increase aggression. The article primarily emphasizes the influence of environmental factors over genetic ones when it comes to immune responses, rather than providing evidence specifically related to genes influencing behavior. However, here are the relevant points regarding genetic influences discussed in the article:

• Genetic Variation: While everyone's immune system is partly built by genes, the study highlights that the main driver of immune variation remains unclear.

• Twin Study Methodology: Researchers used a twin study design where identical twins share nearly all their genes, allowing for an understanding of hereditary traits compared to fraternal twins.

• Immune System Divergence: The study found that identical twins had significantly different immune systems, indicating that environmental influences outweighed genetic inheritance in three-quarters of measurements.

• Age and Environment: Younger twins were more genetically similar than older twins, suggesting that environmental exposure diverges the immune systems over time.

• Vaccine Response: Differences in vaccine responses were found to be mainly attributed to environmental factors, rather than genetic ones, as identical twins reacted differently.

• Cytomegalovirus Study: The presence of cytomegalovirus infection in one identical twin led to more significant immune divergence, further indicating environmental factors driven by infections influence immune behavior rather than genetic predispositions.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Animal Studies</strong>: Research shows that mice engineered to have a dysfunctional MAOA gene exhibit increased aggression. This suggests a genetic link to aggressive tendencies.</p><ul><li><p>Neuroscientist Joshua Buckholz’s findings show a correlation between reduced gray matter and heightened aggression in humans.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Brain Function</strong>: Findings indicate individuals with the warrior gene have more active amygdalae and less gray matter in circuits related to emotion, illustrating a biological basis for aggressive behaviors.</p></li><li><p><strong>Complexity of Violence</strong>: The interplay between genetics and environment is complex; not solely determined by genetics alone. James Fallon’s case illustrates the influence of a positive upbringing in mitigating genetic predispositions to violence.</p></li></ul><p></p><p>ARTICLE 1 IMMUNE SYS<br><br>The article primarily emphasizes the influence of environmental factors over genetic ones when it comes to immune responses, rather than providing evidence specifically related to genes influencing behavior. However, here are the relevant points regarding genetic influences discussed in the article:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Genetic Variation</strong>: While everyone's immune system is partly built by genes, the study highlights that the main driver of immune variation remains unclear.</p></li><li><p><strong>Twin Study Methodology</strong>: Researchers used a twin study design where identical twins share nearly all their genes, allowing for an understanding of hereditary traits compared to fraternal twins.</p></li><li><p><strong>Immune System Divergence</strong>: The study found that identical twins had significantly different immune systems, indicating that environmental influences outweighed genetic inheritance in three-quarters of measurements.</p></li><li><p><strong>Age and Environment</strong>: Younger twins were more genetically similar than older twins, suggesting that environmental exposure diverges the immune systems over time.</p></li><li><p><strong>Vaccine Response</strong>: Differences in vaccine responses were found to be mainly attributed to environmental factors, rather than genetic ones, as identical twins reacted differently.</p></li><li><p><strong>Cytomegalovirus Study</strong>: The presence of cytomegalovirus infection in one identical twin led to more significant immune divergence, further indicating environmental factors driven by infections influence immune behavior rather than genetic predispositions.</p></li></ul><p></p><h4 id="b684e0b6-9951-46dc-80f9-7fb6e05d0c16" data-toc-id="b684e0b6-9951-46dc-80f9-7fb6e05d0c16" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Gene Evidence</h4><ul><li><p>Heritability assesses the extent to which genetics account for variations in traits, with estimates ranging from 25% to 80%.</p></li></ul><h4 id="e2126928-39c8-490d-8bce-637367812241" data-toc-id="e2126928-39c8-490d-8bce-637367812241" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Environmental Evidence</h4><ul><li><p>Stressful environments during the coronavirus pandemic have led to increased alcohol consumption and weight gain.</p></li><li><p>Wildfires caused hazardous air quality, impacting lung health.</p></li><li><p>Environmental factors such as lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, socio-economic status) amplify genetic predispositions to health issues.</p></li><li><p>Examples of environmental influences on weight gain include factors like heavy consumption of unhealthy foods, sedentary behavior, and psychological stress (e.g., anxiety, depression).</p></li></ul><p></p><h4 id="9ef3bb5b-e71d-4eb4-a65f-6a8620a651f0" data-toc-id="9ef3bb5b-e71d-4eb4-a65f-6a8620a651f0" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Summary of Sensitivity Research Influences: Genetics and Environment</h4><h5 id="74e168cb-fead-445d-80d8-77bf6d7ffe0f" data-toc-id="74e168cb-fead-445d-80d8-77bf6d7ffe0f" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Environmental Influences</h5><ul><li><p>Sensitivity varies among individuals, influenced by their experiences, with approximately 53% attributable to environmental factors.</p></li><li><p>Sensitivity can be related to how individuals respond to positive experiences, benefiting from supportive environments such as good parenting and psychological interventions.</p></li><li><p>Individuals who are sensitive to negative experiences may experience increased stress and anxiety in challenging situations.</p></li></ul><h5 id="fb917c2b-e4d1-4d8c-b055-0b7f43fb5ec9" data-toc-id="fb917c2b-e4d1-4d8c-b055-0b7f43fb5ec9" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Genetic Influences</h5><ul><li><p>The study found that 47% of the differences in sensitivity can be explained by genetic factors.</p></li><li><p>Research involving over 2800 twins, including around 1000 identical and 1800 non-identical twins, confirmed a genetic basis for sensitivity differences.</p></li><li><p>The study quantified the genetic basis for different types of sensitivity, indicating that aspects like sensitivity to both positive and negative experiences have a genetic component.</p></li><li><p>Sensitivity was also found to share a genetic link with certain personality traits, specifically neuroticism and extraversion, but not with agreeableness, conscientiousness, or openness.</p></li></ul><h5 id="e6e5bbad-b209-40c2-9150-1178ed44d6db" data-toc-id="e6e5bbad-b209-40c2-9150-1178ed44d6db" collapsed="false" seolevelmigrated="true">Implications</h5><ul><li><p>Understanding sensitivity as a genetic trait can help individuals accept it as a core part of their identity, viewing it as both a potential strength and a challenge in navigating experiences.</p></li></ul><p></p>

Introduction: Host is David Pogue who focuses on tracking down cutting-edge research in crime fighting.

Nature vs. Nurture in Violence: Questions whether killers are born or made, exploring the concept of a "warrior gene" linked to higher aggression in some individuals, and discussing the notion that genetics may predispose certain individuals to violence.

Insights into the Criminal Mind: Notes that environments can change brain wiring, highlights new technology that can detect lies in the brain prior to being spoken, and recognizes that investigators can estimate time of death, which is crucial for solving crimes.

Violence and Environment: Discusses Eugene "The Wolf" Jackson, a trainer who uses martial arts to deter youth from gang violence, and includes a case study of a young fighter named Nico who was involved in a gang but is now focusing on boxing.

Genetic Factors in Aggression: Mentions criminologist Kevin Beaver’s research linking genetic profiles to aggression, specifically the MAOA gene, which is associated with neurotransmitter regulation; a less active version may lead to increased aggression.

Evidence from Animal Studies: States that mice with a dysfunctional MAOA gene show increased aggression, and neuroscientist Joshua Buckholz found a connection between less gray matter and heightened aggression in humans.

Brain Function and Aggression: Uses a snake versus stick scenario to explain brain circuitry related to emotions, noting that individuals with the warrior gene have more active amygdalae and less gray matter in emotional circuits.

The Complexity of Violence: Argues that the formation of a violent mind is complex and not determined by a single gene, exemplified by James Fallon who discovered his familial predisposition to violence but counteracted it with a positive upbringing.

Effects of Environment on Aggression: Points out that environmental factors can alter brain structure and emotion-related pathways, suggesting that positive environments may lessen the impact of genetic tendencies towards violence.

Forensic Studies of Decomposition: Outlines research from Texas State University on human decomposition in various environments, analyzing factors such as temperature and scavenger behavior and their effects on body decomposition rates.

Estimating Time of Death: Highlights its importance in criminal investigations, mentioning factors like rigor mortis and environmental conditions, as illustrated by forensic pathologist Peter Cummings.

Polygraph Limitations: Describes how polygraphs measure biological responses to stress during questioning, emphasizing that their effectiveness can differ by individual and they are not always reliable for lie detection.

Advancements in Lie Detection: Covers new research exploring brain activity and deception detection at a neural level using EEG technology to measure brainwaves linked with lying.

Cybercrime and Security: Introduces Yoshi Kono, an expert hacker advocating for ethical hacking in cybersecurity, warning about potential vulnerabilities in everyday technology like cars and medical devices.

Preventing Cybercrime: Yoshi emphasizes the need for an aggressive approach to protect future technologies from hacking and stresses the importance of understanding technology and vulnerabilities to safeguard personal information.

Conclusion: Stresses the relationship between genetics, environment, and behavior in crime, highlighting innovative approaches in forensic science and technology designed to improve crime fighting capabilities.

Evidence for Genes Influencing Behavior: Criminologist Kevin Beaver’s research links certain genetic profiles to aggressive behavior, particularly through the MAOA gene, which shows variability in aggression levels depending on its activity. The evidence indicates that while genetic factors have influence, environmental factors have a substantial impact on health and behavior, including immune responses, as shown in various studies involving identical twins.