Brain Scans Of Gay Men, Straight Women Have Similarities
By: Web Producer
Updated: June 17, 2008
Study: Brain Scans Of Gay Men, Straight Women Have Similarities
(London) -- New research is pointing to potential biological hallmarks in sexuality.
A Swedish study finds gay men and straight women have common characteristics in portions of the brain responsible for emotion, mood and anxiety.
The research published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" also determined brain scans showed the same symmetry among lesbians and straight men.
Scientists involved in the study say it remains an "open question" as to whether the processes are initiated during fetal or postnatal development.
Researchers also indicate their data has not determined if differences in brain shape are inherited or from exposure to hormones in the womb, or if they could be responsible for sexual orientation.
Scans showed the brains of heterosexual men and homosexual women were slightly asymmetric with the right hemisphere slightly larger than the left.
Brains of gay men and heterosexual women were not.
(Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions)
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