Homosexuality and Genes

There are many suspected influences of homosexuality in humans. Some believe that sexual orientation is socially influenced and some believe that it is a choice to be homosexual. In a new study it is suggested that it is influenced by genetic information. This study was led by Alan Sanders and it is the largest of its kind.

Over 400 pairs of gay brothers, some twins, participated in a genetic analysis that focused on two region of the human genome. Samples of blood and saliva were collected from each of the participants. The only trait that all 818 men shared was being gay. Two genes were identified in influencing sexual orientation in men. One of the genes is located on the X chromosome, which is one of the chromosomes responsible for determining a person’s sex. The other gene that was found to correspond to sexual orientation in men was found on chromosome 8.

The goals of this study were to contradict the notion that homosexuality is a choice and to “refute” the belief that gay people can be treated to be straight. It was stressed that sexual orientation is determined by numerous different factors from the environment to genes. There is not one reason for homosexuality.



Article: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sexual-orientation-not-a-choice-influenced-by-genetics-study/articleshow/45231147.cms

Related article: http://healthland.time.com/2012/12/13/new-insight-into-the-epigenetic-roots-of-homosexuality/

Genetic Influence on Sexual Orientation

Genetic Linkage study reveals possible genes relating to sexual orientation in men.  More specifically the study claims to have isolated the x chromosome and chromosome 8 as the most possible locations for genes regarding predisposition to homosexuality.  The study, published in Psychological Medicine, analyzed the genome of  908 individuals from 384 different families.  The only commonality between all of the subjects was there sexual orientation.  Genetic-linkage studies are somewhat outdated at this point in time.  Further research combining this studies data and a GWA, genome-wide association, study will hopefully further isolate the individual genes influencing sexual orientation in males.  

These studies are deeply rooted in controversy.  For some, the possibility that there may actually be specific genes that can influence an individuals sexual orientation lends truth to the argument that sexuality, be it homosexuality or heterosexuality or even asexuality, is not a choice.  In truth, human sexuality is a complex combination of social, political, cultural, and biological factors.  

Article: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sexual-orientation-not-a-choice-influenced-by-genetics-study/articleshow/45231147.cms

Related Article:  http://www.medicaldaily.com/red-herring-gay-gene-and-how-sexuality-more-just-genetics-311120

Related Article:  http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2014/11/study-gay-brothers-may-confirm-x-chromosome-link-homosexuality 

Study suggests genetic link for male homosexuality

A study of gay brothers was conducted and supports the idea that genetic makeup may influence a males sexuality. After studying nearly 800 men, scientists feel that the genes are found on the X chromosome.This study found their data using DNA samples from saliva and blood.  The X chromosome is one of the sex chromosomes that determines our gender. Females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y. There was small amounts of evidence that suggested genes on other chromosomes playing a factor but it has not been determined exactly which ones although some say it is chromosome 8. Some scientist not involved in this research project do not believe this data to be true such as Dr. Robert Green, a medical geneticist at Harvard Medical School who says the study is “intriguing but not in any way conclusive" others believe it is a step in the right direction to determining the causes of homosexuality. 

http://www.app.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/17/study-suggests-genetic-link-male-homosexuality/19163809/

Born This Way

Scientists continue to study whether being homosexual is a choice or a genetic mutation. As we as a society become more acceptable and more aware of being gay, scientists have become more open minded to it as well. Leader Dr. Aron Sanders did the largest study of homosexuals and studied their genetic makeup. Sander's team examined 409 gay "brothers" within the coarse of five years. Taking several blood and saliva tests his team found that male sexuality is related to two different regions in the human genome. The two regions are chromosome X and a part of chromosome 8. According the Sanders' team the homosexuals that were being observed had similar patterns on these regions.

 

Nothing can be fully proven yet, and everyone will still have their beliefs but this study will hopefully help the gay community be more accepted into society. In the last 10 years major advancements to the genetic study or homosexuality and accepting them as people came into place. So far 33 states have accepted gay marriage and the numbers will just keep growing. As technology keeps growing, one day there will be a proven answer but as a society this is deffenatly moving in the right direction.

Article link:http://mic.com/articles/104456/scientists-are-one-step-closer-to-establishing-a-genetic-component-for-homosexuality

Two Genes Raising the Risk of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that decrease bone density. It is a condition that causes bone to become weakens cause bone cells lost than replaced when people age. This cause bone to be prone to injury from minor fall, sneezing or bumping into furniture, or even from simple movements. Osteoporosis is very common, especially in women. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for the disease. About 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Some individuals are not diagnosed until something they are injured and fracture/break their bones. Osteoporosis can be due to genetics and environmental factors.

In London, British researchers have identified two common genetic mutations that increase the risk of osteoporosis and other bone fractures. According to Tim Spector and Brent Richards, researchers at King’s College London argues, “Eventually, a panel of genetic markers could be used in addition to environmental risk factors to identify individuals who are most at risk for osteoporotic fractures.” The mutation is likely to be found in chromosome 8 and 11. If the there is a change in chromosome 11, there is about a 30 percent increased risk of the condition. On the other hand, individuals with changes in chromosome 8 run a 20 percent risk. In addition, individuals with both changes, their risk increase by 30 percent. The discovery of the two genes will become important for researchers in developing treatment for osteoporosis.

“These genes can be measured with near perfection and without bias years before the age at which fractures tend to occur – which could provide ample lead-time for preventative measures,” the researchers wrote. This is a major step into understanding the basic cause of that cause osteoporosis. There are treatments available, but none that will cure the condition. Lifestyle changes and medications can slow down the process and help increase bone mass to cut the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to get screen and start treatments.

 Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/science/bones.html?_r=0