<p>The 'liberal gene' is a "transmitter" in the brain called DRD4 connected to the chemical dopamine, known as the reward currency of the brain. <br /><br />When those with the gene are socially outgoing, they seek out and are "rewarded" by other people's points of view, far more than they might be without the gene. <br /><br />This suggests they are more open-minded and tend to form less conventional political viewpoints as adults -- especially if they have a socially active adolescence, The Telegraph said about the study. <br /><br />Scientists from the University of California and Harvard in the US looked at 2,000 Americans, according to the Journal of Politics. <br /><br />It found that those with a strain of the DRD4 gene seek out "novelty" -- such as people and lifestyles that are different to the ones they are used to. This leads them to have more liberal opinions politically, it found. <br /><br />The person's age, ethnicity, gender or culture appeared to make no difference -- it was the gene that counted. <br /><br />DRD4 is controlled by dopamine, which affects the way the brain deals with emotions, pleasure and pain and can, therefore, influence personality traits. <br /><br />The more popular someone with this gene is in their young formative years the more likely they are to hold liberal beliefs. <br /><br />James Fowler, the professor who led the study, said: "It is the crucial interaction of two factors -- the genetic predisposition and the environmental condition of having many friends in adolescence -- that is associated with being more liberal.</p>
<p>The 'liberal gene' is a "transmitter" in the brain called DRD4 connected to the chemical dopamine, known as the reward currency of the brain. <br /><br />When those with the gene are socially outgoing, they seek out and are "rewarded" by other people's points of view, far more than they might be without the gene. <br /><br />This suggests they are more open-minded and tend to form less conventional political viewpoints as adults -- especially if they have a socially active adolescence, The Telegraph said about the study. <br /><br />Scientists from the University of California and Harvard in the US looked at 2,000 Americans, according to the Journal of Politics. <br /><br />It found that those with a strain of the DRD4 gene seek out "novelty" -- such as people and lifestyles that are different to the ones they are used to. This leads them to have more liberal opinions politically, it found. <br /><br />The person's age, ethnicity, gender or culture appeared to make no difference -- it was the gene that counted. <br /><br />DRD4 is controlled by dopamine, which affects the way the brain deals with emotions, pleasure and pain and can, therefore, influence personality traits. <br /><br />The more popular someone with this gene is in their young formative years the more likely they are to hold liberal beliefs. <br /><br />James Fowler, the professor who led the study, said: "It is the crucial interaction of two factors -- the genetic predisposition and the environmental condition of having many friends in adolescence -- that is associated with being more liberal.</p>