GLP Podcast: Teenage psychopaths? Cancer-free smokers; Pesticide propaganda in Europe

Are young people more likely to display narcissistic and psychopathic traits? If so, why? A recent study has proposed intriguing answers to both questions. Geneticists may have finally explained why many smokers never get lung cancer. US Activist groups are targeting the EU with “studies” alleging that the continent’s food supply has been tainted with dangerous pesticides. Is there any truth behind their campaign?

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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 173 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• ‘Dark personalities’: When are destructive traits like narcissism and psychopathy most likely to appear?

Teenagers and young adults are most likely to display personality characteristics associated with narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, three traits that make up the so-called “Dark Triad.” That’s according to a recent survey of 4,000 Dutch and Belgian people published in the Journal of Research in Personality. Psychologists need to perform additional studies with bigger, more diverse sample sizes to confirm these results, but assuming they’re valid for the moment, what might cause younger people to display these anti-social traits? The answer may lie in our evolutionary history.

• What’s in our genes that explains why some lifelong smokers never get cancer?

It’s a mystery that’s confounded scientists for years: how can so many people smoke a pack of cigarettes (or more) a day for decades and never develop lung cancer? Thanks to recent advances in DNA sequencing technology, researchers have identified “repair genes” that may offer an explanation. This recently revealed evidence indicates that some heavy smokers may be able to repair tobacco-induced lung damage more efficiently than other people can.

• Viewpoint: Toxic fruits and vegetables? Inspired by Environmental Working Group’s chemical scare fundraising gimmick in the US, Pesticide Action Network brings disinformation to Europe

Pesticide scaremongering is a global business. Following the precedent set by Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen,” US-based activist groups have begun to warn Europeans that their food supply is “contaminated” with chemicals farmers use to protect their crops from pests. Does the EU have cause for concern?

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg