Gene scan suggests homosexuality origin

[proud2BlibKansan]

I just got this article in an email. There was no link included. I tried to find this biomedical journal mentioned in the article but had no luck. So I don't know how reliable the source is but I found the info interesting.

Gene scan suggests homosexuality origin

by David Ryan Alexander
PlanetOut Network

A new genetic study released Jan. 12 claims to "help explain why
some men are gay and other men are heterosexual." The study,
published in the biomedical journal Human Genetics, analyzed 456
individuals from 146 unrelated families with two or more gay
brothers and claims to be the first full genome scan of sexual
orientation in men.

"We found three chromosomal regions that are likely to have genes
within them that influence sexual orientation," said Brian Mustanski
of the University of Illinois, one of the six scientists from a
number of institutions who conducted the study.

"I think we essentially found these regions that are likely to
influence sexual orientation," Mustanski said. "We found some genes
that influence hormones and brain development. The next step is to
look at specific genes in a new family sample to see if those are
the exact genes that affect sexual orientation."

The study also stated that "given the complexity of sexual
orientation, numerous genes are likely to be involved, many of which
are expected to be autosomal (or of a non-sex chromosome) than sex-
linked." In previous studies regarding gay male twins, the report
said, only limited connection could be made showing male sexual
orientation as being inherited from the X-chromosome, or sex
chromosome.

"Previous research had looked exclusively at the X-chromosome,"
Mustanski said, "and found that the region right at the tip of the X-
chromosome may influence sexual orientation."

The current study sought to provide a scan analyzing both sex and
non-sex chromosomes to identify all genes that potentially
contribute to variation in sexual orientation.

Mustanski compared the study to finding one person in a town of
40,000 people. "You make some assumptions about where they might be,
knocking on one door on every street," he said. "You're going to
narrow it down considerably."

According to Mustanski another study exploring the genetics of
sexual orientation is currently being conducted, and he assumed its
researchers would incorporate these new findings into their study,
but it will still probably be years until that report is completed.

As for exactly what locating these genes would mean, Mustanski
said, "Finding the specific genes would have implications beyond
uncovering the cause of homosexuality. Their identification would
also greatly advance our understanding of human variation, evolution
and brain development."

Mustanski also placed importance on studies focusing on women. "As
with many things," he said, "females tend to be studied last and it
would be important to start looking at female sexuality."

Posted January 21, 2005

[Maple]

1. Try here

http://www.queery.com/sybfusion.cgi?templ=q-item2.tpl&category=News&idx=95560

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Thanks!

So does this seem legit?

[mhr]

2. And Here

http://tinyurl.com/7y4g9

[meg]

3. Of course, FATHERS can't pass this on to their sons!!

"Previous research had looked exclusively at the X-chromosome,"
Mustanski said, "and found that the region right at the tip of the X-
chromosome may influence sexual orientation."

What a large load of crock! Now it dawns on them to look further. And of course, who cares about women.

Well, at least the science moves forward.

[Botany]

4. Gay Jeans?

Boy, I bet you they are tight, clean, fashionable, look good w/ a leather belt,
and just precious. I wonder wear you buy those jeans? I bet a lot of republicans
wear those jeans when they are with the "boys." I bet you old Pat Robertson
has modeled a pair in his life. I know they can't be Levis.


Gay Jeans ..... that is so 1980s!

[Cronus Protagonist]

6. Why does anyone care?

Maybe they would better spend their time looking for cancer genes or something that would be useful instead of this modern day witch-hunt.


http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13
Buttons for brainy people - educate your local freepers today!

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I care

I am not gay but I have had many an argument with an uneducated fool who claims that homesexuality is a choice. I usually tell them that one day soon we will know it's genetic and all you 'it's a choice' people will be proven wrong.

I wanted a link so I could send this to a particularly obnoxious homophobe I know. I knew that DUers could find that link for me when I ran into trouble verifying this story. THANKS DU!!

[Cronus Protagonist]

8. Sorry, but that is a poor excuse for a witch hunt

Even if anyone proves homosexuality is genetic, they'll just move onto another argument. The spinners on the other side are completly dishonest and don't care about the reality of it. All they're looking for are arguments that will gain traction for their EMOTIONAL reaction to gay people. Bust one bubble, they'll blow up another one.

And the "research results", if ever validated, will be used by homophobic parents to abort children, schools to ostracize children, institutions and society to stigmatize people and insist that some are gay even when they themselves don't agree.

Additionally, it doesn't matter. If I want to suck cock just because I want to, or because I feel like it, it matters not a whit whether it's genetic or not, a choice, a leaning, a tendency, a whim.

If I want to do it and he wants to do it, between consenting adults, it's perfectly natural. PERIOD.

It's a witch hunt. Simple as that. Gays are the latter-day witches.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. That just breaks my heart

And I think you could be right. But I also believe this will shut some folks up. So many freepers and other close minded ignorant fools cling to this choice argument! This research also may put an end to some of these whacky fundies who think gawd can 'cure' gays.

[Cronus Protagonist]

10. If a genetic link is proven, the other side will treat them like slaves

They will claim to be genetically superior to gay people. They will claim that since they can't change gay people, they should ostracise them and keep them from having children.... castrate the males and perform forced hysterectomies for the females so that their genetic lineage is wiped out.

You know it.

That's why no self-respecting human being should be supporting this kind of research.

[Botany]

11. All kidding aside .......

...... their is very strong data on genetic causes and brain morphology in gay
men but when you try to point this out to the other side "they" will not listen
or will spin another reason why the data comes out like it does.

Being a straight men with a little science in my background I have come to
conclusion that "they" do not want to hear and or read anything that is
opposite to how they think. I tried talking to those people and after a while
they just try to make a fag joke or say the still do not believe you.

[Maven]

13. "Additionally, it doesn't matter..."

Exactly. Although I disagree with most hardline social constructionists that sexual identity is entirely a modern cultural artifact, I do see the value in their "agenda," i.e., the obviation of the question of origin and of the need to "justify" gayness. Who cares where it comes from? What will we gain by knowing?

Sexual orientation probably arises from a combination of factors, genetic/chemical properties among them. The truth is, our process of development is so complex that we may never fully know. Even if it the behavior were totally "voluntary," however, it would still qualify as acceptable, legal behavior between two adults.

[xchrom]

12. the x-chromosome?!?!?!!??!

they're talking about me?!?!?!?!

geee, and i was just being a smart-ass.