Researchers say they have uncovered tentative evidence of a genetic component to friendship. Using data from two independent studies, they found carriers of one gene associated with alcoholism tended to stick together.
However, people with another gene linked with metabolism and openness, stayed apart.
The researchers looked at six genetic markers in two long-running studies, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the Framingham Heart Study, which contain both genetic data and information on friends.
With one gene, called DRD2, which has been associated with alcoholism, they found clusters of friends with the very same marker.
Another gene called CYP2A6, which has a suspected role in the metabolism of foreign bodies including nicotine, appeared more divisive. People with this gene seemed to steer clear of those who also carry the gene.
Why, the researchers don't know, but they speculate it could form part of a defensive ploy. They say similar patterns have been observed among couples, with individuals avoiding prospective partners who are susceptible to the same diseases. (This is why you seldom have both partners in a marriage being alcoholic! -Ed.)
Professor James Fowler of the University of California, who led the study, says genes may go some way to explaining why we often instinctively like - or dislike - the people we meet. "It's not like I'm going to be carrying around a little spit kit and testing all my friends," he says. "It's those genes' underlying characteristics which we must be able to detect in some way either consciously or unconsciously."
By Neil Bowdler Science reporter, BBC News
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