Nature or nurture: can genes make us behave ‘badly’? – podcast
The question of whether genes can influence behavior is a complex one, with scientists debating the role of nature versus nurture. A new podcast explores this topic, featuring an interview with Kathryn Paige Harden, a behavioural geneticist and professor of psychology. The discussion delves into the relationship between genetics and traits like risk-taking, antisocial behaviour, and violence.
- ▪Kathryn Paige Harden is a behavioural geneticist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
- ▪Her book Original Sin explores the combination of nature and nurture in shaping human behaviour.
- ▪The podcast discusses the potential link between genetics and traits like risk-taking and violence.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Science WeeklyScienceNature or nurture: can genes make us behave ‘badly’? – podcastMore ways to listenApple podcastsSpotifyRSS FeedDownloadPresented by Ian Sample, sound design by Ross Burns, the executive producer was Ellie BuryFri 26 Jun 2026 03.45 EDTFirst published on Thu 25 Jun 2026 00.00 EDTShare00:00:0000:00:00How much do our genes determine about our lives, and could they influence traits like risk-taking, antisocial behaviour or even violence? Ian Sample talks to Kathryn Paige Harden, a behavioural geneticist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin who studies how genetic factors shape human behaviour.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Science.
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