The largest study of its kind found new evidence that genes contribute to same-sex sexual behavior, but it echoes research that says there are no specific genes that make people gay.
The genome-wide research on DNA from nearly half a million U.S. and U.K. adults identified five genetic variants not previously linked with gay or lesbian sexuality. The variants were more common in people who reported ever having had a same-sex sexual partner. That includes people whose partners were exclusively of the same sex and those who mostly reported heterosexual behavior.
"We also found that it's effectively impossible to predict an individual's sexual behavior from their genome. Genetics is less than half of this story for sexual behavior but it's still a very important contributing factor," Neale said. Importantly, most participants were asked about frequency of same-sex sexual behavior but not if they self-identified as gay or lesbian. Fewer than 5% of U.K. participants and about 19% of U.S. participants reported ever having a same-sex sexual experience.
A Science commentary notes that the five identified variants had such a weak effect on behavior that using the results"for prediction, intervention or a supposed 'cure' is wholly and unreservedly impossible."
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
You don't need a new computer, here's how to keep your old one running like newYour computer might feel slow for a number of reasons. Maybe its hard drive is full, or you haven't cleaned out the fan vents. Here's how to get an old computer running like new again.
Read more »
New York Parents Are Taking Their Kids Out of School to Avoid New Vaccination Requirements
Read more »
New genetic links to same-sex sexual behavior foundNEW: The largest study of its kind has found new evidence that genes contribute to same-sex sexual behavior, but it echoes research that says there are no specific genes that make people gay.
Read more »
Microsoft says new augmented reality headset to go on sale in SeptemberMicrosoft Corp's second generation HoloLens augmented reality headset will ...
Read more »
Apple apologises for listening to conversations with Siri, sets new rulesUnder the changes, Apple will allow its employees to review conversations only from customers who opt into the 'Siri grading' program to improve the voice recognition technology.
Read more »
China rotates new troops into Hong Kong amid mass protestsNearly three months of fiery anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong have sparked concerns that the military will be deployed in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
Read more »