Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered that, with just a little tweaking of its genes, the Drosophila melanogaster (or fruit fly) can be totally cool with, you know, whoever.
Scientists in the US found that a mutation in a gene known as “gender-blind”, or GB, can make flies bisexual, and that manipulating its activity can switch this sexual trait on and off.
The findings, from a team based at the University of Illinois, suggest that homosexuality has a clear biological basis, but that this is not necessarily hard-wired by the genes. A combination of genetic and environmental factors seems to be required.
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The GB gene is involved in the function of glial cells, a type of brain cell that supports the active Hooksexup cells. When the gene was inactivated, the strength of the synapses between Hooksexup cells was affected, and the scientists noted that male flies began courting other males. “The GB mutant males treated other males the same way normal males would treat a female,” Dr. [David] Featherstone said. “They even attempted copulation.”
"Attempted"? How many of them
followed through is what we wanna know. 'Cause in our experience, it doesn't matter how much gene therapy you get in 'em -- fruit flies are all talk.