Gene research is society's latest scapegoat. We can now blame our genes for being fat, maladjusted, or brilliant. How much of who we are is our genes, and how much is the result of our environment? This fascinating series probes the science and the ethics behind gene research.

Genes and Environment — Much is made of the similarities between twins, but what about the differences? Our genes may give us a tendency for thrill seeking or aggression. Paradoxically, these genes may create society's heroes as well as its social misfits. But how much of our makeup can be attributed to our genes? What role does our social environment have in forming us?

Genes and Personality — What causes our personality to be what it is? How much impact does our family have on the little quirks that distinguish us? In twin research one powerful and bizarre observation remains consistent: the sooner in life you separate them and the longer you keep them apart, the more similar identical twins become.

Genes and Body Type — Feeling fat? Wouldn't it be great if we could just blame our genes for that extra weight? Cases and stories from America and England personalize current scientific research on genetic causes of obesity, the science of appetite, health risks associated with obesity, and the benefits of exercise to override genetic makeup

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