All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Researchers in Chicago have discovered a gene that identifies homosexuality in fruit flies, which can be turned on and off with drugs. David Featherstone, a biologist at the University of Illinois, said that while humans have a similar gene, it has yet to be determined whether that gene has any effect on same-sex attractions in humans.
Researchers have found that fruit flies with a mutated "gender-blind" gene are bisexual. The flies cannot tell the difference between male and female pheromones, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The mutation strengthens synapses, causing the flies to overreact to the pheromones. This causes the fruit flies to be attracted to both males and females.
"The [gender-blind] mutant males treated other males exactly the same way normal male flies would treat a female," Featherstone said in the article. "They even attempted copulation."
The study tested the hypothesis by giving the bisexual fruit flies drugs that weakened their synapses. Within hours the flies engaged exclusively in heterosexual activity. The group also gave heterosexual flies drugs that strengthened their synapses, causing them to be attracted to both male and female flies. (The Advocate)
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.