Silencing a specific gene may affect human social behaviour including a person's ability to form healthy relationships or to recognise the emotional states of others says a study. The scientists examined how a process known as methylation which can reduce the expression of specific genes affects a gene called OXT. This gene is responsible for the production of a hormone called oxytocin which is linked to a wide range of social behaviours in humans and other mammals. 'Methylation restricts how much a gene is expressed' said the study's lead author Brian Haas Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of
