By: Steve Dellar | 12-08-2017 | News
Photo credit: Sergey Khakimullin | Dreamstime

Gene Linked To Homosexuality Found

For the first very first time, researchers have proof of the so-called ‘gay gene’ after having looked at the complete genome (a person’s full DNA code) for about 1,000 gay men and compared those genomes to 1,000 heterosexual males.

Its conclusion is that homosexuality isn't a lifestyle choice, but is ingrained in a person's biology.

Though the Research from North Shore University in Illinois knows that its conclusion is considered highly controversial, it claims to have found the genetic marker that can actually reveal whether or not a man is gay.

Independent scientific groups say the study results are not conclusive, and the study's authors admit the link is 'speculative'. They say, however, that the research could help them get closer to finding so-called 'gay genes'.

Commenters on the internet were not too happy about the results though.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Genes linked to homosexuality discovered by scientists <a href="https://t.co/UAFBILcEku">https://t.co/UAFBILcEku</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TelegraphSci?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelegraphSci</a><br>What a bunch of BS. Scientists have already proven the &#39;gay gene&#39; does not exist. The theory of a &#39;gay gene&#39; was disproven years ago.</p>&mdash; Edward Jackson (@kc135topboom) <a href="https://twitter.com/kc135topboom/status/939109639727312901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>

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The discovery stated that the DNA was different for gay and straight men around the genes SLITRK5 and SLITRK6.

SLITRK6 is an important gene for brain development and is particularly active in a region of the brain which includes the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is crucial for producing the hormones which control a person’s sex drive, and if previous studies are taken into consideration, that those hormones are up to 34 percent larger in gay men.

Mr Alan Sanders, a psychiatrist who led the study, said: “Because sexuality is an essential part of human life, for individuals and society, it is important to understand the development and expression of human sexual orientation.”

“The goal of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of male sexual orientation, and thus ultimately increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying sexual orientation.“

“What we have accomplished is a first step for GWAS on the trait, and we hope that subsequent larger studies will further illuminate its genetic contributions.”

Source:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/12/07/genes-linked-homosexuality-discovered-scientists/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw

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