Hissie Sola Posted August 11, 2008 #1 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Horror film gene that makes some scream while others laugh The secret of why horror films make some people scream in terror while others may simply laugh has been revealed. Scientists say different versions of a single gene linked to feelings of anxiety can explain the way in which some people simply cannot abide such movies, while others enjoy the suspense and the gore. The findings may explain why it is that over the past 35 years people have had wildly different reactions to the classic horror film, The Exorcist. While many screamed and some even fainted in cinemas at scenes of spinning heads and shaking beds, others simply laughed. A particular variant of the 'COMT' gene affects a chemical in the brain that is linked to anxiety, they have found. People who have two copies of one version of the gene are more easily disturbed when viewing unpleasant pictures, the scientists discovered. That version of the gene weakens the effect of a signalling chemical in the brain that helps control certain emotions. The scientists found that those carrying two copies of it were significantly more startled by frightening images than others. By contrast, those who had one copy of the gene and one copy of another version were able to keep their emotions in check far more readily. The study, published today in the scientific journal Behavioural Neuroscience, also found that those with two copies of the latter gene were also able to keep a lid on their anxiety more easily. link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
now Posted August 11, 2008 #2 Share Posted August 11, 2008 and those who laughed need to be exorcised Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katya Posted August 12, 2008 #3 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Does it count if I crack up instead of cringe when things are blown up, or when someone falls into what could double as a meat grinder for giants? The new Die Hard movie made me laugh last summer... I think I'd have to watch The Exorcist to confirm it. I get tense watching X-Files, because I'm never sure when the monster of the week is going to strike in that dark, spooky-music scene, but I've never screamed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eqgumby Posted August 12, 2008 #4 Share Posted August 12, 2008 My spouse laughs inappropriately at the goriest movies. 30 Days of Night? Laugh-fest. Darth Vader with his legs on fire, arm cut off, face melting? Giggle fit. It's pretty disturbing some times... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunSwimSurf Posted August 13, 2008 #5 Share Posted August 13, 2008 It's a shame they don't make horror films like they used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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