Rich Blinne summarizes the findings of the recent study of sexual “identity” reported by Reuters.
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Rich Blinne summarizes the findings of the recent study of sexual “identity” reported by Reuters.
I just got a comment on my blog and was asked whether there was any kind of genetic test for homosexual sexual orientation. I stated that I was unaware of such a test. I am not an expert on this. Am I in error here? The person posting was clearly tormented and I hate to hurt him further with my ignorance. Thanks.
Rich, there is no genetic test for homosexuality – actually there are few genetic tests for anything other than a few genes that have been linked to inherited diseases or hightened cancer risks.
For instance, there is no genetic test for left-handedness, nor is there a genetic test for premature gray hair (which I happen to have), but there is no doubt that both of those conditions are genetic/biological.
That last sentence is why “genetic” test is probably the wrong thing to be looking for anyway. Although there are some genes, like for eye color, that always are activated, most other genes must be “turned on” during fetal development. For instance, Thalidomide, which deformed so many children, was only dangerous if taken by women in certain weeks of pregnancy, when the genes to create arms and legs were to be “turned on.” If the woman took thalidomide during that key window, it could affect the fetus, if not – it had no effect.
Take a look at https://members.aol.com/GAYGENE/pages/blackbox.htm
As far as I know, the author is not a biologist, but it does have some interesting information.
But no, there are no specific genes that have been associated with a tendency towards homosexual behavior. Nor are thare any specific genes that have been associated with a tendency towards heterosexual behavior.