Michael Creighton's latest thriller, Next, presents all sorts of what-if scenarios for the genetic community. While most of us will not have to deal with foul-mouthed orangutans or smart-ass parrots, a recent report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that there may be a genetic factor contributing to fear of commitment in males. As reported today by the BBC ("Commitment phobes can blame genes", Sept 2, 2008), this gene is called AVPR1A. Males with a certain allele for this gene (allele 334) have an aversion to commitment, and are less likely to have happy, fulfilled marriages. Maybe this is not a surprise...but it could be a problem for some males. In a Creighton-world scenario, a male goes out for a date with an attractive women. As he excuses himself to go use the restroom, the woman quietly swabs the inside of his glass, removing a few epithelial cells. She then sends these off to a genetic screening lab where she finds out that the male possesses two copies of AVPR1A allele 334. The next day she ends the relationship and then publishes his name on her blog to warn her friends that he is a hopeless cause. If you think that these tests do not exist, check out these links. Why would she do this? Because there are evolutionary differences between the ways that men and women view relationships. Like it or not, in the animal kingdom (to which humans belong), women often form long-term relationships for the purpose of rearing young. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to seek multiple, short-term relationships. So back to humans.... why should the female invest valuable time and energy in a relationship that is genetically bound for failure? No longer do women have to contemplate whether he will "change" - the genetic evidence will tell them. Anyone else hear warning sirens? So guys, the next time you go out on that first date, make sure that you have your partner sign a non-disclosure agreement stating that any genetic information that she obtains as a result of your date is to remain your legal property unless you consent to its release. Of course, that type of conversation will probably also stop you from getting a second date, but at least your little genetic secret may remain private