"Scientists Find a Shared Gene in Dogs With Compulsive Behavior."

Derr, Mark. "Scientists Find a Shared Gene in Dogs With Compulsive Behavior." The New York Times 18 Jan. 2010. Web. 21 Jan. 2010. .

Researchers have recently studied Doberman Pinschers and their compulsive actions. For example, Dobermans will suck their flanks for ours at a time. These Scientists describe their findings remarkable, considering they have thought to find “the first gene identified in dogs.” OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is found from 2.5 percent to 8 percent of the human population. OCD symptoms in humans can be identified from behavior such as excessive hand washing, repetitive checking of stoves and with that pulling the hair from root and self-mutilation. Dr. Dodman, Tufts University, and his scholars did a study. They gathered a group of 94 Doberman Pinschers that did suck their flanks or blanket. They also took another group of 73 Dobermans that did neither of these two actions. For both of these groups Dodman studied their genetic history along with their DNA. After many studies Dodman discovered a spot on canine chromosome 7, it contained the gene CDH2(Cadherin 2). From his discovery of this spot he was able to make a distinction between the two groups of dogs. “OCD” dogs (dogs that sucked blankets and splits) had the spot, while the ones who did neither had no spot. In further studies the Cadherin found in humans usually results in autism and spectrum disorder, which involve compulsivity.

I thought that this article gives scientists another look how we are in a way related to all living beings. Not only in chromosomes of humans, but in dog genes of compulsivity are found. I just find that unbelievable. I also think after taking in information from this article, that from the findings of Dr. Dodman could take us one step into the future of finding genetic disorders in humans. Not only could we find it in humans, but in all living beings. Overall I predict that the discoveries of Dodman will, at some point better the future of the human race, and the world.

Being a critic for this article is tough, considering that there is not to much to talk about considering its flaws. I thought overall it was a nicely written article. It was very informative, interesting and kept me reading. I would have to say the only think Derr Mark could improve upon is how he lures the reader in. I like dogs, that is the reason that kept me reading. He needed to include more interesting comparisons or facts to break up the stiffness and the seriousness.