[12][13] Studies by Nicholas A. Christakis and Fowler suggested a variety of individuals' attributes like obesity,[14] smoking cessation,[15] and happiness[16] rather than being individualistic, are causally correlated by contagion mechanisms that transmit these behaviors over long distances within social networks.

[18][19][20][21] In addition to his research on social networks, Fowler has become known for his work on genopolitics, showing that genes influence voting and other forms of political participation.

[25] He has also identified three genes that are associated with voter turnout and partisan attachment, specifically those regulating the serotonin and dopamine systems in the brain via the production of monoamine oxidase, 5HTT, and DRD2.

In September 2009, Little, Brown & Co. published Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives by Nicholas A. Christakis and James H.

[38][39] On February 28, 2008, the Los Angeles Times published an op-ed that summarized Fowler's research showing that Democratic candidates who come on The Colbert Report receive 44% more in campaign donations in the first 30 days after appearing on the show.