News

Genes on Trial: MAOA-L, The Legal Interpretation of Behavioral Genetics

This paper examines how behavioral genetic evidence has been used in criminal cases to shape ideas of violence, intent, and legal responsibility. Focusing on the case studies State v. Waldroup (2011) and State v. Yepez (2015), it analyzes how courts reached different conclusions regarding the admissibility and influence of MAOA-L gene evidence. The paper argues that the legal significance of behavioral genetics depends largely on how judges and juries interpret scientific legitimacy rather than on the gene itself. It also explores how genetic explanations of violence risk reinforcing biological determinist thinking while drawing attention away from structural factors such as abuse, trauma, and poverty. Ultimately, the project demonstrates the challenges of applying population-level behavioral genetics research to individual criminal defendants within the justice system. Project by Violet Webber.

Tornini Lab Awarded Two Grants of Scialog: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems

The Valerie Tornini Lab received Scialog Collaborative Innovation Awards for interdisciplinary projects examining stress, neurodevelopment, and environmental change, integrating neurobiology, genetics, and social context to understand responses across changing ecosystems.

Fear, Identity, Obsession – How Contemporary Media Reflects and Shapes Genetic “Common Sense”

This project explores how modern media, in the form of advertising, film and TV, social media, politics, and even video games, reflect and shape the new age “common sense” surrounding genetics. Through our research, we identified three main themes apparent in this genetic conversation – fear(mongering), identity-building, and consumer obsession. All three of these threads come together to form a complex, chaotic, and rich dialogue. Throughout this zine, we justify our interest in pop culture as a mechanism for creating “common sense” and exerting influence, drawing readers’ particular attention to the resurgence of genetic language in the broader American political discourse to create an understanding of the “bigger picture” of our project. Project by Vanessa Richards and Greta Gilmor.

The Coroner’s Silence: An Evening with Terence Keel

Lecture on Dr. Keel’s latest book, examining how race shapes forensic science and the investigation of death in the US. The talk will explore the implications of medical and legal systems that determine cause of death, raising critical questions about inequality, institutional accountability, and the production of scientific knowledge.

Megan McEvoy, Highlights rising stress behind UCLA’s competitive enrollment system

Megan McEvoy quoted at the Daily bruin in “Competitive enrollment, waitlists cause stress for students, faculty alike” where she describes how competitive enrollment waitlists create ongoing stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain, affecting students’ academic planning while also increasing pressure on faculty.

Terence Keel, ISG, Quoted in a Daily Bruin Article

Terence Keel contributes to the Daily Bruin Article “Data shows UCPD disproportionately stops Black, Hispanic people, raising concerns”, contextualizing racial disparities in policing data through historical analysis of science, race, and institutional accountability.