Multitasking: It's All in the Genes

Some of us don't have much trouble doing many things at once. While others-not so much. In any case, a recent study shows how a certain connection between genetics and cognitive function may have something to do with the ability to multitask.

According to researchers, they hypothesized that individuals with the Met/Met genotype of the Val158Met variant of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene would perform better in a simulated air-defense task than people without this genotype.

Background information from the study notes that the presence of the COMT gene has been shown to increase dopamine levels found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that work to control such cognitive functions as memory, reasoning and problem solving. "Dopamine availability in the PFC appears to be particularly important when task demands are high," the authors note, via a press release.

The researchers examined the performance of 99 men and women between the ages of 18 and 38 who were divided into three genotyped groups based on the Val158Met variant. Participants controlled six unmanned aerial objects over the course of four training blocks with a goal of preventing enemy incursions, destroying enemy targets and avoiding friendly fire.

The participants with the Met/Met genotype of the COMT gene fared better than those of the Val/Met and Val/Val groups. They also showed more improvement with training and performed better overall.

More information regarding the study can be found via the article "Interactive Effects of the COMT Gene and Training on Individual Differences in Supervisory Control of Unmanned Vehicles," via Human Factors.