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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Sexual Orientation Is Genetic in Worms, Study Says


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The larger nematode worm, above, is a hermaphrodite— with male and female organs. The worm on the bottom is male.

Scientists genetically manipulated the brains of hermaphroditic nematode worms so they were attracted to other hermaphrodites.

The study showed sexual orientation is hardwired in the worms' brains.

Photograph courtesy Jamie White, University of Utah