My gene made me cheat on you. Sooo we cool?

Roses are red, violets are blue.
I cheated on you, a gene forced me to!

Can the propensity for infidelity be found in our DNA? Previous genetic studies on twins show that a philandering twin is 40% as likely to have a philandering sibling - regardless of whether the pair were raised together or apart. Now, researchers at Binghamton University's Laboratory of Evolutionary Anthropology and Health are honing in on one of the genes allegedly linked to promiscuity.

They rounded up 181 college students who disclosed their sexual histories and donated their DNA samples. Researchers then analyzed the DNA, scanning for genetic variations associated with a wandering eye.

“What we found was that individuals with a certain variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to have a history of uncommitted sex, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity,” says lead author, Justin Garcia, as quoted in a Binghamton University news release. “The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in. In cases of uncommitted sex, the risks are high, the rewards substantial and the motivation variable – all elements that ensure a dopamine ‘rush.’”

These results align with past research implicating this "thrill-seeking" gene in hedonistic tendencies, and predisposing individuals to sensation-seeking activities like gambling and substance abuse. Coverage by ABC news quotes Garcia further: "The people with the DRD4 gene need more stimuli to feel satiated. Some of us say 'wow,' that was a rush after jumping out of a plane. Others ask, 'When is the plane going back up?'"

The data seemingly suggests that sex drive could operate independently from love. The Binghamton news release writes, "it is reasonable that individuals could be wildly in love with their partners, commit infidelity, and yet still be deeply attached and care for their partners."

The evolutionary advantage of this allele is of course more offspring, but the study's implications extend beyond the bedroom. Drug rehab programs could develop different treatments for DRD4 gene holders. Prescribing antipsychotics that act as dopamine receptor antagonists (turn off biological response that usually occurs when dopamine attaches to receptor).

Now before you arrange a first date at the doctor's office to test your prospective partner-to-be for cheating-risk, consider words from the hope camp. Psychologist Susan Quilliam, author of "Joy of Sex," explained to ABC news that "upbringing, experience and culture may actually wield more influence than the risk-taking gene." Psychotherapist, Jenn Berman, who hosts Cosmo Radio's "Love and Sex Show," echoes Susan's view. "Certain people are vulnerable to affairs, but in the end, it's about personal choice." "And it depends on how well-developed their impulse control is."

Garcia stresses his paper is not a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for (would-be) transgressors. Little is known about how sexual inclinations are influenced by complex neurobiologic and genetic underpinnings. Garcia hopes his study will add to the expanding knowledge base and plans to conduct further research with his co-authors.

For full study, published in PLoS ONE journal, clicky here.