Kathryn Paige Harden
@kph3k.bsky.social
Psychology & behavior genetics. Author of THE GENETIC LOTTERY (2021) and ORIGINAL SIN (coming 3.3.2026). Speaking as an individual
Pinned
"What Makes a Child Go Bad--Nature or Nurture?"
Introducing my new book on the genetics of vice, the problem of blame, and the future of forgiveness
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com
My new book will be released in less than 1 month! On Substack, I describe a letter I received that radically reshaped the book: A man in prison for a sexually violent crime asked me, "What makes a child go bad--nature or nurture?"
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
Boston-area folks: I will be presenting on ORIGINAL SIN at Harvard Book Store on March 19. Come say hi & ask me questions! www.harvard.com/event/kathry...
Kathryn Paige Harden at Harvard Book Store | Harvard Book Store
presenting Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness
www.harvard.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Boston-area folks: I will be presenting on ORIGINAL SIN at Harvard Book Store on March 19. Come say hi & ask me questions! www.harvard.com/event/kathry...
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
4/ With such a large and diverse sample, we identified many genes associated with externalizing: Across 1,294 genomic loci and 647 fine-mapped SNPs, we pinpointed 961 effector genes, including known biology (e.g., CADM2, BDNF) and novel discoveries (e.g., SLC17A6, NRN1)!
February 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM
4/ With such a large and diverse sample, we identified many genes associated with externalizing: Across 1,294 genomic loci and 647 fine-mapped SNPs, we pinpointed 961 effector genes, including known biology (e.g., CADM2, BDNF) and novel discoveries (e.g., SLC17A6, NRN1)!
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
Our multi-ancestry GWAS of EXTernalizing conditions (ADHD, substance use...) in ~4M people reveals neurodevelopmental risk, drug-repurposing targets, and yields one of the strongest psychiatric polygenic indices yet! 🧬🎉 doi.org/10.64898/202...
Genomic insights into substance use and disinhibitory disorders
Externalizing spectrum disorders- spanning attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorders, and other disorders characterized by disinhibition - frequently co-occur...
doi.org
February 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Our multi-ancestry GWAS of EXTernalizing conditions (ADHD, substance use...) in ~4M people reveals neurodevelopmental risk, drug-repurposing targets, and yields one of the strongest psychiatric polygenic indices yet! 🧬🎉 doi.org/10.64898/202...
My new book will be released in less than 1 month! On Substack, I describe a letter I received that radically reshaped the book: A man in prison for a sexually violent crime asked me, "What makes a child go bad--nature or nurture?"
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
"What Makes a Child Go Bad--Nature or Nurture?"
Introducing my new book on the genetics of vice, the problem of blame, and the future of forgiveness
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:08 PM
My new book will be released in less than 1 month! On Substack, I describe a letter I received that radically reshaped the book: A man in prison for a sexually violent crime asked me, "What makes a child go bad--nature or nurture?"
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/what-makes...
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
📢🧬 Call for Papers — 5th ESSGN Conference
📍 Bologna, May 21–22, 2026
I’ll be co-organising the 5th ESSGN conference in Bologna together with Nicola Barban, Stephanie von Hinke, Paul Hufe, and Niels Rietveld @essgn.bsky.social
📄 Submit here: forms.gle/fmVDUrQqQYju...
🗓 Deadline: 1 March 2026
📍 Bologna, May 21–22, 2026
I’ll be co-organising the 5th ESSGN conference in Bologna together with Nicola Barban, Stephanie von Hinke, Paul Hufe, and Niels Rietveld @essgn.bsky.social
📄 Submit here: forms.gle/fmVDUrQqQYju...
🗓 Deadline: 1 March 2026
February 2, 2026 at 3:42 PM
📢🧬 Call for Papers — 5th ESSGN Conference
📍 Bologna, May 21–22, 2026
I’ll be co-organising the 5th ESSGN conference in Bologna together with Nicola Barban, Stephanie von Hinke, Paul Hufe, and Niels Rietveld @essgn.bsky.social
📄 Submit here: forms.gle/fmVDUrQqQYju...
🗓 Deadline: 1 March 2026
📍 Bologna, May 21–22, 2026
I’ll be co-organising the 5th ESSGN conference in Bologna together with Nicola Barban, Stephanie von Hinke, Paul Hufe, and Niels Rietveld @essgn.bsky.social
📄 Submit here: forms.gle/fmVDUrQqQYju...
🗓 Deadline: 1 March 2026
Goodreads is giving away 10 free copies of my new book, ORIGINAL SIN (and nearly 1000 people have already signed up!). Enter here for your chance to get a free book, ahead of publication day:
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Book giveaway for Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness by Kathryn Paige Harden Jan 26-Feb 17, 2026
Enter to win one of 10 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Jan 26-Feb 17, 2026. We're giving away 10 copies of ORIGINAL SIN by Kathryn Paige Harde...
www.goodreads.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Goodreads is giving away 10 free copies of my new book, ORIGINAL SIN (and nearly 1000 people have already signed up!). Enter here for your chance to get a free book, ahead of publication day:
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
European colleagues who don't want to travel to the US for PAA should come to Finland for @invest-flagship.bsky.social instead!
Join us in Turku, Finland for the 3rd @invest-flagship.bsky.social conference; May 6-8, 2026. This year's topic is "Building equal societies: from scientific findings to societal transformation" with excizing and timely keynotes by Prof. Harden @kph3k.bsky.social and Prof. Cohen @philipncohen.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:47 PM
European colleagues who don't want to travel to the US for PAA should come to Finland for @invest-flagship.bsky.social instead!
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
Join us in Turku, Finland for the 3rd @invest-flagship.bsky.social conference; May 6-8, 2026. This year's topic is "Building equal societies: from scientific findings to societal transformation" with excizing and timely keynotes by Prof. Harden @kph3k.bsky.social and Prof. Cohen @philipncohen.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Join us in Turku, Finland for the 3rd @invest-flagship.bsky.social conference; May 6-8, 2026. This year's topic is "Building equal societies: from scientific findings to societal transformation" with excizing and timely keynotes by Prof. Harden @kph3k.bsky.social and Prof. Cohen @philipncohen.com
surest sign that we need to get the pipes wrapped and the generator ready
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted earlier today, January 20, 2026, on a plane heading to Laguna Beach as the state of Texas braces for a rare ice threat and arctic cold front.
January 21, 2026 at 2:15 PM
surest sign that we need to get the pipes wrapped and the generator ready
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
AGBT General Meeting Featured Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden (kph3k.bsky.social), Professor of Psychology at @utaustin.bsky.social & author.
At AGBTGM26, she’ll explore how moral beliefs shape science, and how transcending the “moral vs. biological” divide can open new paths for discovery.
At AGBTGM26, she’ll explore how moral beliefs shape science, and how transcending the “moral vs. biological” divide can open new paths for discovery.
November 11, 2025 at 5:23 PM
AGBT General Meeting Featured Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden (kph3k.bsky.social), Professor of Psychology at @utaustin.bsky.social & author.
At AGBTGM26, she’ll explore how moral beliefs shape science, and how transcending the “moral vs. biological” divide can open new paths for discovery.
At AGBTGM26, she’ll explore how moral beliefs shape science, and how transcending the “moral vs. biological” divide can open new paths for discovery.
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
I talked with the great @kph3k.bsky.social about her fascinating new book, Original Sin, and whether we're doomed (or blessed!) to turn out just like our parents substack.com/home/post/p-...
How Much Are We Like Our Parents, Really?
A conversation with psychologist Paige Harden about the genetic roots of behavior and personality
substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:29 PM
I talked with the great @kph3k.bsky.social about her fascinating new book, Original Sin, and whether we're doomed (or blessed!) to turn out just like our parents substack.com/home/post/p-...
“police use lies—both in their work and in the court of public opinion—to deploy a set of strategic narratives that bolsters their budgets, powers, and quest to be seen as the only means of safety available“
January 11, 2026 at 4:56 PM
“police use lies—both in their work and in the court of public opinion—to deploy a set of strategic narratives that bolsters their budgets, powers, and quest to be seen as the only means of safety available“
Comments on this article show how evidence of biology’s role in a behavior doesn’t *erase* moral beliefs about that behavior, but rather interacts w/ moral beliefs in complicated ways
See eg Interesting paper by Sydney Scott: ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jobhdp...
See eg Interesting paper by Sydney Scott: ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jobhdp...
Many people who stop using weight loss drugs will return to their previous weight within two years, a new review of existing research has found. https://cnn.it/4jzMQHs
January 10, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Comments on this article show how evidence of biology’s role in a behavior doesn’t *erase* moral beliefs about that behavior, but rather interacts w/ moral beliefs in complicated ways
See eg Interesting paper by Sydney Scott: ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jobhdp...
See eg Interesting paper by Sydney Scott: ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jobhdp...
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
These articles revlea people's uniquely twisted/nasty views about weight & health. Have been reading an early copy @kph3k.bsky.social book on the "genetics of sin" (order it!), & I am convinved we need to confront people's gut instincts about health, it matters and is weaponised (see vaccines).
Many people who stop using weight loss drugs will return to their previous weight within two years, a new review of existing research has found. https://cnn.it/4jzMQHs
January 9, 2026 at 10:24 AM
These articles revlea people's uniquely twisted/nasty views about weight & health. Have been reading an early copy @kph3k.bsky.social book on the "genetics of sin" (order it!), & I am convinved we need to confront people's gut instincts about health, it matters and is weaponised (see vaccines).
advance copies of my new book are now out in the world! pub day is on 3.3.26 & preorders are a love language ❤️
The brilliant and lovely @kph3k.bsky.social has done it again! Fabulous book!
January 10, 2026 at 2:42 PM
advance copies of my new book are now out in the world! pub day is on 3.3.26 & preorders are a love language ❤️
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
SF folks! I'm going to be talking to @pauleastwick.bsky.social about his EXCELLENT new book on Feb 13 at the Commonwealth Club. Come to hear the *real* science of relationships (not the manosphere pseudoscience), stay for a Valentine's Day dance party
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
Paul Eastwick: The New Science of Love and Connection
Join us at Commonwealth Club World Affairs on February 13 to prepare scientifically for Valentine’s Day.
www.commonwealthclub.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:55 PM
SF folks! I'm going to be talking to @pauleastwick.bsky.social about his EXCELLENT new book on Feb 13 at the Commonwealth Club. Come to hear the *real* science of relationships (not the manosphere pseudoscience), stay for a Valentine's Day dance party
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
SF folks! I'm going to be talking to @pauleastwick.bsky.social about his EXCELLENT new book on Feb 13 at the Commonwealth Club. Come to hear the *real* science of relationships (not the manosphere pseudoscience), stay for a Valentine's Day dance party
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
Paul Eastwick: The New Science of Love and Connection
Join us at Commonwealth Club World Affairs on February 13 to prepare scientifically for Valentine’s Day.
www.commonwealthclub.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:55 PM
SF folks! I'm going to be talking to @pauleastwick.bsky.social about his EXCELLENT new book on Feb 13 at the Commonwealth Club. Come to hear the *real* science of relationships (not the manosphere pseudoscience), stay for a Valentine's Day dance party
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-...
reposting for the Monday crowd—
This week in my newsletter I discussed the “Have your best baby” campaign by Nucleus Genomics as an example of what @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social and @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social have called “commodification on steroids”
open.substack.com/pub/kathrynp...
This week in my newsletter I discussed the “Have your best baby” campaign by Nucleus Genomics as an example of what @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social and @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social have called “commodification on steroids”
open.substack.com/pub/kathrynp...
January 5, 2026 at 2:28 PM
reposting for the Monday crowd—
This week in my newsletter I discussed the “Have your best baby” campaign by Nucleus Genomics as an example of what @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social and @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social have called “commodification on steroids”
open.substack.com/pub/kathrynp...
This week in my newsletter I discussed the “Have your best baby” campaign by Nucleus Genomics as an example of what @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social and @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social have called “commodification on steroids”
open.substack.com/pub/kathrynp...
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
I wonder about these questions a lot! I can also see a very logical extension to GLP-1s - as a fat person who is not interested in those medications, I’m starting to see subtle shifts from pity to confusion about my size (if she has money and health care, why ISN’T she on a GLP-1?).
January 4, 2026 at 8:33 PM
I wonder about these questions a lot! I can also see a very logical extension to GLP-1s - as a fat person who is not interested in those medications, I’m starting to see subtle shifts from pity to confusion about my size (if she has money and health care, why ISN’T she on a GLP-1?).
I wrote about Nucleus Genomics' "Have your best baby" ad campaign and Kris Jenner's "best version of myself" facelift, the parallels between embryo selection and cosmetic surgery, and competing definitions of "eugenics"
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/have-your-...
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/have-your-...
"Have Your Best Baby"
Four parallels between cosmetic surgery and polygenic embryo selection, two competing definitions of "eugenics," and one short excerpt from my forthcoming book
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:17 PM
I wrote about Nucleus Genomics' "Have your best baby" ad campaign and Kris Jenner's "best version of myself" facelift, the parallels between embryo selection and cosmetic surgery, and competing definitions of "eugenics"
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/have-your-...
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/have-your-...
Is one of your goals for 2026 to write more? One question I get all the time is, "How do you make time to write?" So, here is my unsolicited writing advice for the new year:
December 31, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Is one of your goals for 2026 to write more? One question I get all the time is, "How do you make time to write?" So, here is my unsolicited writing advice for the new year:
2025 was a tough year: It brought me health challenges, several grant rejections, and a grinding anxiety about the future of science. Even so, work was still a frequent source of joy and satisfaction this year, and I am grateful to reflect on the highlights:
December 29, 2025 at 10:33 PM
2025 was a tough year: It brought me health challenges, several grant rejections, and a grinding anxiety about the future of science. Even so, work was still a frequent source of joy and satisfaction this year, and I am grateful to reflect on the highlights:
I wrote about what disorder *isn't* in the new cross-disorder genetics paper, and why we should find that gap curious:
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/whats-miss...
(Not because the authors deliberately omitted it, but because data on it doesn't really exist)
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/whats-miss...
(Not because the authors deliberately omitted it, but because data on it doesn't really exist)
What's Missing from the New Cross-Disorder Genetics Paper?
Let's play a guessing game
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:37 PM
I wrote about what disorder *isn't* in the new cross-disorder genetics paper, and why we should find that gap curious:
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/whats-miss...
(Not because the authors deliberately omitted it, but because data on it doesn't really exist)
kathrynpaigeharden.substack.com/p/whats-miss...
(Not because the authors deliberately omitted it, but because data on it doesn't really exist)
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
For more context, see also the @nature.com News & Views article about this work, where I unpack what it means when genetic risk for psychiatric disorders overlaps with normal-range traits, including some positive associations with education-related outcomes: rdcu.be/eT4U7
December 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
For more context, see also the @nature.com News & Views article about this work, where I unpack what it means when genetic risk for psychiatric disorders overlaps with normal-range traits, including some positive associations with education-related outcomes: rdcu.be/eT4U7
Reposted by Kathryn Paige Harden
1/4 Thrilled to be sharing new work published today in Nature describing the third wave of results from the PGC Cross-Disorder Group. This reflects a massive group effort to examine shared and unique genetic signal across >1 million cases for 14 psychiatric disorders. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Mapping the genetic landscape across 14 psychiatric disorders - Nature
Genomic analyses applied to 14 childhood- and adult-onset psychiatric disorders identifies five underlying genomic factors that explain the majority of the genetic variance of the individual disorders...
www.nature.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
1/4 Thrilled to be sharing new work published today in Nature describing the third wave of results from the PGC Cross-Disorder Group. This reflects a massive group effort to examine shared and unique genetic signal across >1 million cases for 14 psychiatric disorders. www.nature.com/articles/s41...