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June 03, 2005Genes, Sex and Fruit FliesRead an article in this morning's paper, apparently Austrian researchers have discovered that there is a gene that can be manipulated to influence sexual preference. They took the male variant of this gene and stuck it in a female fruit fly. The female fruit fly then "acted exactly like males in courtship, madly pursuing other females." Ditto for the male fruit flies. They went after their own gender too. Overall, this implies that homosexuality is genetic. Big step in the nature v.s. nuture debate. However, perhaps of even greater consequence, is that we can influence behavior with genetic manipulation! What do we know so far...it should be possible in the future to counter genetic diseases by manipulating the misfire. But that's a disease, not a preference or a behavior. And it's more prevention than decision. Exterminating a disease has the potential for saving a life. Exterminating a behavior accomplishes what? Of what real impact is it to control someone's sexual preference, or heck, for that matter, sense of humor or taste in food? Such behavioral ticks define individuality and character. Why change them? Posted by carolyn at June 3, 2005 09:31 AM CommentsWhat if you could not only clone animals but also select behavioral traits? Of course this is a slippery slope. Posted by: Brady at June 3, 2005 12:43 PM Post a comment |
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