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Blame your genes if you can't multitask. Neuroergonomics researchers found that people with certain genes that control dopamine levels are better at multitasking.

The latest study revealed that people with the Met/Met genotype of the Val158Met variant of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene are better at a simulated air-defense task than those without that genotype.

Previous studies linked the presence of the gene to higher dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for executive function.  

"Dopamine availability in the PFC appears to be particularly important when task demands are high," researchers wrote in the study.

The latest study involved 99 men and women ages 18 to 38. The participants were divided into three genotyped groups based on the Val158Met variant.

Participants were asked to play a game in which they had to control six unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in low- and high-task-load conditions to destroy enemy targets, prevent enemy incursions, and keep away from friendly fire while attending to a communications task. Participants played the game over a course of four training blocks.

The study revealed that participants with the Met/Met genotype of the COMT gene showed more improvement with training and performed better than did those in the other two genotype (Val/Met and Val/Val) group.

Researchers said the study, which was supported by a grant from the Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, could help improve training of real-world operators of multiple UAVs. Researchers noted that the findings could also help match training to individuals based on their cognitive abilities.