Why Am I? The Science of Us 3 - When Genes Mix with the Wrong Environment (Episode Three)

The Dunedin Study is a long-running study of human health and development, based on roughly 1000 people born in Dunedin in 1972. In TV series Why Am I? , the far-reaching findings of the study are explored. This episode focuses on the interplay between nature and nurture, especially in regard to anti-social behaviour — as narrator Susie Ferguson says, "it's as if nature loads a gun, and nurture pulls the trigger." Much of the episode explores a rare mutation in the MAOA gene, a common denominator in violent criminals. Other subjects include depression, and when cannabis use can help cause psychosis.

Are violent criminals born that way, or created in their upbringing? The Dunedin Study set out to find an answer.

– Narrator Susie Ferguson, early in this episode

Key Cast & Crew

Rewa Harre

Cinematographer

DJ Stipsen

Cinematographer

Paul Casserly

Co-Director

Irena Dol

Editor, Co-Director

Mark McNeill

Producer, Co-Director

Clayton Carpinter

Cinematographer