New Genetics Study Provides No Proof for Gay Gene Theory
Bush Names Bolton as UN Ambassador
NEW GENETICS STUDY UNDERMINES GAY GENE THEORY – A study to be published in the March 2005 issue of Human Genetics journal, available online, undermines the commonly promoted view that homosexual orientation is determined by genetic factors. The studys lead author, Brian Mustanski [Univ of Illinois in Chicago] said in a UIC news release that “There is no one ‘gay’ gene. Sexual orientation is a complex trait, so it’s not surprising that we found several DNA regions involved in its expression.” However, a thorough examination of the report by professors Warren Thockmorton and Ray Durwood of Grove City College reveals no statistically significant findings for any of these DNA regions. The analysis by the Grove City College PhDs: The authors describe in the article 3 non-X chromosomal new regions of genetic interest (7q36, 8p12, and 10q26). In the authors view, a noteworthy aspect of the study follows: Our strongest finding was on 7q36 with a combined mlod score of 3.45 and equal distribution from maternal and paternal allele transmission. This score falls just short of Lander and Kruglyak’s (1995) criteria for genome-wide significance. They go on to say two additional regions (8p12 and 10q26) approached the criteria for suggestive linkage – again pointing out that neither was statistically significant. Thus, even the authors strongest finding was not statistically significant by widely accepted scientific criteria. Thockmorton & Durwood conclude: In summary, the Mustanski study finds no significant relationship between DNA regions and self-reported sexual orientation. Available evidence suggests that genes may be expressed via the interaction of temperament with certain environments. Practically, then, at present, one cannot know with any degree of certainty that a gene or combination of genes will distinguish why one man is homosexual and another is not. [GROVE CITY, PA, 10Feb05, LifeSiteNews.com, Does A “Gay Gene” Really Exist? http://www.americandaily.com/article/6852]
BUSH NAMES OUTSPOKEN UN CRITIC AS UN AMBASSADOR – John R. Bolton [currently serving as Undersecretary of State for arms control and international security] was a senior vice president of the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute from 1999-2001, and an assistant attorney general in Ronald Reagan’s Department of Justice [7Mar05; EF News and Notes, 11Mar05]