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  • From: <pcarino AT rcn.com>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Scientists turn lazy monkeys into workaholics
  • Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 11:19:47 -0400

Monkeys test 'hardworking gene'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3557310.stm

Thursday, 12 August, 2004, 00:03 GMT 01:03 UK

By Richard Black
BBC science correspondent

Scientists in the United States have found a way of turning
lazy monkeys into workaholics using gene therapy.

Usually monkeys work hard only when they know a reward is
coming, but the animals given this treatment did their best
all the time.

Monkeys are rather like people in their approach to work - at
least, those who live in a laboratory and learn to press
levers for rewards of food and water.

They concentrate on their task only when the moment of
delivery approaches.

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health near
Washington DC, led by Dr Barry Richmond, have now developed a
genetic treatment which changes their work ethic markedly.
"Normal monkeys and people procrastinate - tend not to work
very well when they have a lot of time to get the job done,
and work better when the reward is nearer in time," Dr
Richmond says.

"The monkeys under the influence of the treatment don't
procrastinate."

The treatment consists of blocking an important brain
chemical - dopamine.

After about 10 weeks it had worn off, and the monkeys were
back to their usual unmotivated selves.

Dr Richmond believes treatments based on this concept could
one day benefit people with conditions like depression, where
motivation has largely disappeared from their lives.
But for the rest of us, the day when such treatments fall
into the hands of our bosses may be one we would prefer to
put off.



  • [monkeywire] Scientists turn lazy monkeys into workaholics, pcarino, 08/12/2004

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