Turning Gay Mice Straight?

The science journal Nature has published a study claiming that the sexual orientation of mice can be changed with the neurotransmitter 5-HT.

Although the question of to whom a male directs his mating attempts is a critical one in social interactions, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling mammalian sexual preference. Here we report that the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is required for male sexual preference. Wild-type male mice preferred females over males, but males lacking central serotonergic neurons lost sexual preference although they were not generally defective in olfaction or in pheromone sensing. A role for 5-HT was demonstrated by the phenotype of mice lacking tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), which is required for the first step of 5-HT synthesis in the brain. Thirty-five minutes after the injection of the intermediate 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which circumvented Tph2 to restore 5-HT to the wild-type level, adult Tph2 knockout mice also preferred females over males. These results indicate that 5-HT and serotonergic neurons in the adult brain regulate mammalian sexual preference.

You'll have to subscribe to Nature to read the full study.

Maverick Surf Contest...fizzles out on West Coast! No waves, Moon Doggie!



One of the West Coast's most-anticipated outdoors events - the Maverick Surf Contest - appears to be fizzling into oblivion this year due to the capricious nature of the weather.

In February, surfers are usually excitedly belting out - "Surf's Up" - as the mammoth waves crash the picturesque California coastline (at Half-moon Bay & elsewhere) in stunning God's country.

But, the dudes are SOL this season, Moon Doggie!

Will par-tay hearty spring break ever be the same without the wild beach soiree?

Golly!

As the surf gently rolls into the shore, folks are more inclined to take a stroll, or catch some rays!

But, before you can say - winter squall - things might just turn around.

Stay posted for updates, eh?

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Surf dudes hang ten for the big one!

Nature