Seasonal Genes & The Science of Fear

The video explores how seasonal changes affect gene expression, particularly in the immune system, influencing the activity of genes related to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and flu. It suggests that winter might be the best time for vaccinations due to heightened immune responses. Additionally, the video discusses research on fruit flies, revealing that they exhibit fear-like behaviors, which could help understand the biological and evolutionary origins of fear and anxiety in humans.

What is one reason some diseases worsen during winter according to the research?

• Increased exposure to cold weather

• Higher stress levels

• Genes associated with the immune system change expression

• Lack of sunlight

Why might winter be the most effective time to vaccinate against certain diseases?

• People have more free time in winter

• Vaccines are cheaper in winter

• Immune system genes are more active in winter

• Doctors recommend it

What animal is used to study the biological origins of fear?

• Mice

• Fruit flies

• Rabbits

• Cats

How do fruit flies respond to repeated threats in the study?

• Their responses are persistent and scalable

• They become less responsive

• They become aggressive

• They ignore the threats

What percentage of their genomes do fruit flies and humans share?

• 60%

• 50%

• 30%

• 80%