Pilots' Performances in Flight Simulators Determined by Gene

Scientists have known for a long time that pilots using a flight simulator exhibit a downward curve when it comes to performances the older they get. However, a new study uncovered that a specific variant of the BDNF gene causes performances to decrease faster than normal.

The gene, whose full name is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is responsible for making minute changes to a very specific protein. The molecule, in turn, causes the brain to age faster in the people sporting the mutation than in their peers.

The new investigation was conducted by expert Ahmad Salehi, who holds joint appointments with the Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, and the Stanford University, Science News reports.

“Anybody who works with complex machinery could be in the same situation,” the expert says, arguing that the new research potentially highlights a previously-unknown security threat and health risk for numerous industries.