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Uncle Skeleton · Jan 4, 2007, 11:07 PM

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0103110238.htm

"When we mutate the protein, we get less ambient extracellular glutamate, more glutamate receptors, and so a stronger transfer of messages at synapses," Featherstone said.

The gene mutation also made the flies bisexual, leading him to name the gene "genderblind."

"The mutants are completely bisexual, but fertile. It's the first gene that really specifically affects homosexual behavior without affecting heterosexual behavior," he said.

"Trying to understand fly bisexuality sounds silly, but...

The way they make it out is that overall levels of free glutamate in the brain can be responsible for bisexuality. Sounds like something that could be verified in humans. Would you agree to have yourself tested for this, if it was available? I would.

butterfly0fdoom · Jan 4, 2007, 11:09 PM

I totally would.

Kerrigan · Jan 4, 2007, 11:16 PM

wow all the bi dudes are being revealed!

I like how they call the bi flies "mutants", hah.

(yes, I would get tested)

Dark Helmet · Jan 4, 2007, 11:58 PM

Those flies are probably just collage students.

Kerrigan · Jan 5, 2007, 12:02 AM

Those flies are probably just bible college students.

(fixed)

OwlBoy · Jan 5, 2007, 12:16 AM

This makes me hot.

-Owl

torsoboy · Jan 5, 2007, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Uncle Skeleton

ScienceDaily: Bisexual Fruit Flies Show New Role For Neurochemical

The way they make it out is that overall levels of free glutamate in the brain can be responsible for bisexuality. Sounds like something that could be verified in humans. Would you agree to have yourself tested for this, if it was available? I would.

Why would you get tested? I don't get it... what would testing do for you?

Uncle Skeleton · Jan 5, 2007, 12:51 AM

Nothing, except to contribute to science and find out a little about yourself. And I'm sure this phenomenon, even if it carries over to humans, is just a mimic of bisexuality, not "the cause" of any actual bisexual people. On the other hand, supposing the effect is real, and in humans, if you did find yourself any more or less bisexual than you would like, maybe you could find a way to artificially enhance or deplete your intracellular brain glutamate levels...

Chuckit · Jan 5, 2007, 12:56 AM

I'd get tested. I'm really curious to know if I like dudes or not.

Salty · Jan 5, 2007, 02:00 AM

I'd get tested just to help research. I would be scared of them making a straightening pill. I could see my mom trying to slip it into my drink...

Chuckit · Jan 5, 2007, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I'd get tested just to help research. I would be scared of them making a straightening pill.

They did. It's called Viagra. (Bah-dum-ching. Thank you.)

torsoboy · Jan 5, 2007, 03:23 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I'd get tested just to help research. I would be scared of them making a straightening pill. I could see my mom trying to slip it into my drink...

So you claimed straightness (with a vigor) up until a year ago and now your afraid of being straight?

Salty · Jan 5, 2007, 03:49 AM

Originally Posted by torsoboy

So you claimed straightness (with a vigor) up until a year ago and now your afraid of being straight?

Never once claimed to be straight. Just never said I was gay. There's tons of creative ways not to lie but not to volunteer information

Good conversation from school.

David: Hey Michelle have you seen Brokeback Mountain?
Michelle: No is it any good?
David: Cinematography was amazing.
Ernie: Hey guys what are you talking about?
Michelle: Brokeback Mountain, apparently it's really good!
Ernie: What!? Dave, you like that movie!? Wait... wait a second... Dave... you... you like girls right?
David: Ernie I think girls are pretty dang great.

At which point Michelle held in her laughter and gave me quite the grin. Later this year she told him I was gay. I asked her how it went. "Yah... I'm pretty pissed... I just hung up on him."

IceEnclosure · Jan 5, 2007, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Those flies are probably just collage students.

You always spell college "collage". Is it on purpose?

Y3a · Jan 5, 2007, 09:39 AM

"Bisexual" Fruitflys... Seems redundant.

Dark Helmet · Jan 5, 2007, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by IceEnclosure

You always spell college "collage". Is it on purpose?

Nope, probably the designer in me thinking collage.

Anyway, on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage
"Collage is also a common misspelling of the word college."

Dark Helmet · Jan 5, 2007, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

I'd get tested. I'm really curious to know if I like dudes or not.

You need a lab test to tell you that?

Dakar² · Jan 5, 2007, 09:46 AM

I think it was a joke.

Doofy · Jan 5, 2007, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I'd get tested just to help research. I would be scared of them making a straightening pill.

Me no understandee.

There was this story a few days back where US scientists have found a way to make gay sheep straight. All of your famous gays (Navratilova, etc.) were outraged. Why? Surely if you could take a pill and instantly be straight it'd make your life better (i.e. less discrimination, etc.). I guess it goes to whether you want to be gay or not, which then brings about the question of "are you doing it to be different or because you can't help it?". Lifestyle or genetic? Choice or nature?

It's like if they invented a pill to make people not supremely gorgeous, intelligent and cool. I'd take in in a heartbeat. Being this gorgeous, intelligent and cool is a drag, you know - average, and below average, people always get their backs up because they're jealous and stuff.

turtle777 · Jan 5, 2007, 09:55 AM

This thread has potential.

If only someone could gwt GW Bush, Iraq and God into this...

-t

Dakar² · Jan 5, 2007, 09:56 AM

It's more about whether you perceive that differentiating factor to be a flaw or not. If ain't it ain't broke don't fix it.

invisibleX · Jan 5, 2007, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

Never once claimed to be straight. Just never said I was gay. There's tons of creative ways not to lie but not to volunteer information

Good conversation from school.

David: Hey Michelle have you seen Brokeback Mountain?
Michelle: No is it any good?
David: Cinematography was amazing.
Ernie: Hey guys what are you talking about?
Michelle: Brokeback Mountain, apparently it's really good!
Ernie: What!? Dave, you like that movie!? Wait... wait a second... Dave... you... you like girls right?
David: Ernie I think girls are pretty dang great.

At which point Michelle held in her laughter and gave me quite the grin. Later this year she told him I was gay. I asked her how it went. "Yah... I'm pretty pissed... I just hung up on him."

To be fair, many straight people enjoyed the movie. As well many straight men appreciate the male form much like many lesbians enjoy gay (male) porn. Either way the concept of sexual orientation is meaningless if you're a virgin.

Doofy · Jan 5, 2007, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by invisibleX

Either way the concept of sexual orientation is meaningless if you're a virgin.

Burn!

Dark Helmet · Jan 5, 2007, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by invisibleX

Either way the concept of sexual orientation is meaningless if you're a virgin.

So if you are a virgin you don't know if you like boys or girls yet and have to try it to find out?

invisibleX · Jan 5, 2007, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

So if you are a virgin you don't know if you like boys or girls yet and have to try it to find out?

Excluding religious types I think most people do experiment, just happens that most stick to the cultural norm. I'm sure many people know from right when they started maturing sexually what their preference was; Salty doesn't fall into this category. Hell he has even categorized homosexuality as a mental disorder in the past.

You present a fair argument but if a person claimed at one time to be attracted to females, and at another to males, but never followed either to its natural conclusion could you really pin it down to gay or straight? Bi, maybe. Confused, probably.

Uncle Skeleton · Jan 5, 2007, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by invisibleX

I'm sure many people know from right when they started maturing sexually what their preference was; Salty doesn't fall into this category. Hell he has even categorized homosexuality as a mental disorder in the past.

There's a difference between confused and denial. Also, peoples' preferences do change, you're not locked in from the moment you hit puberty. Also, calling something a mental disorder doesn't mean you don't think you have it. I've met people who admit to having anorexia, bulimia, narcolepsy, OCD, etc. Practically boast of it even.

You present a fair argument but if a person claimed at one time to be attracted to females, and at another to males, but never followed either to its natural conclusion...

Before you can argue specifics I think you have to say what you mean by the natural conclusion. Intercourse? Fantasy? Sexual Harassment? Masturbation? Marriage? Holding hands? What?

Salty · Jan 5, 2007, 07:01 PM

For the record, I wouldn't call it a disorder now. But I think I would call it a psychological abnormality. If you remove the "gasp" connotations, it's true. Gay people think differently than is typical. That said it's simply atypical. I don't think it's immoral and I don't think it's bad. That said it would be terribly disorienting to go from liking men to liking women. I guess in some ways once I got used to it it would make some things a lot easier. At the same time, that would mean I wouldn't be attracted to the cute guy I am right now, so no thanks on the straight pill.

Oh and for the record, I've known since I was like 14 or something, took a while to admit it to myself (bout 18) and be somewhat comfortable with it. But I've known for a long time.

kmkkid · Jan 5, 2007, 07:20 PM

Being gay is not a disorder. I really don't care who thinks otherwise. We act, and react the same way as 'straight' females do to a man. We are just different, as any person on earth is to another.

Call it what you want, but being gay is no different than the woman down the street being sexually attracted to a male, we just can't reproduce.

kmkkid · Jan 5, 2007, 07:22 PM

And for the record, no I wouldn't have this test, as I wouldn't want scientists saying I have some 'chemical imbalence' and trying to turn me straight when there is nothing wrong with me in the first place except for a different gene.

Salty · Jan 5, 2007, 07:45 PM

I would consider a straightening pill the same as something that would make me good at music but bad at visual art.

ÿ±këç · Jan 5, 2007, 08:32 PM

Interesting.

Uncle Skeleton · Jan 6, 2007, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

it would be terribly disorienting to go from liking men to liking women.

You'd have to replace all your porn?

TheoCryst · Jan 6, 2007, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by ÿ±këç

Interesting.

I'd hit that™

Salty · Jan 6, 2007, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by TheoCryst

I'd hit that™

I'd use a fly swatter.

Jawbone54 · Jan 6, 2007, 01:08 PM

Okay, its time...I have to come out in this thread...

I've always been attracted to fruit flies. My wife doesn't know. It would kill her if she knew.

Salty · Jan 6, 2007, 03:48 PM

Don't worry Jawbone... I still love and accept you... even if I disagree with your godless and repulsive lifestyle... and Jesus does too!

kmkkid · Jan 6, 2007, 05:31 PM

Jesus Loves gay fruit flies!

turtle777 · Jan 6, 2007, 06:16 PM

Gay fruit flies are a result of the fall of Adam !

-t

King Bob On The Cob · Jan 6, 2007, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by kmkkid

we just can't reproduce.

There's the kicker. You're not attracted to the sex you can reproduce with, even though that is the primary reason for people to be sexually attracted to someone in the first place (Speaking simply biologically).

Needs to be classified as disorder?: No.

Out of the ordinary, and against how nature intended things to work?: You bet.

Kerrigan · Jan 6, 2007, 09:40 PM

Against nature?

List of animals displaying homosexual behavior - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chuckit · Jan 6, 2007, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by King Bob On The Cob

Out of the ordinary, and against how nature intended things to work?: You bet.

Nature is not a sentient being with intentions. QED.

Salty · Jan 7, 2007, 12:24 AM

God is though. That said there's lots of reason why he might want some men and women not to be attracted to the opposite sex. Gay people are not capable of reproducing thus if they are to raise kids they must take in those who do not have parents suitable of raising them, which is fine.
That said sexuality has tons of uses other than simple reproduction.

torsoboy · Jan 7, 2007, 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Against nature?

List of animals displaying homosexual behavior - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Even if some other animals (rember that a human is an animal) have the same abnormality in a few of them, it doesn't mean that is isn't "against nature". Those other animals will die and not leave anyone in their place... they contribute nothing to the furthering of their species. We humans have just found ways to get around the rules of nature with gay humans.

Also, although that page says all of those animals have "documented evidence", they don't show or link any of that evidence. I could add any animal to that list and no one would know the difference. Don't take everything you read to be the truth.

Gossamer · Jan 7, 2007, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

God is though. That said there's lots of reason why he might want some men and women not to be attracted to the opposite sex. Gay people are not capable of reproducing thus if they are to raise kids they must take in those who do not have parents suitable of raising them, which is fine.
That said sexuality has tons of uses other than simple reproduction.

THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

Salty · Jan 7, 2007, 03:29 AM

Originally Posted by Gossamer

THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

You know... bitchyness is a clear sign of homosexuality. I mean, I'm not really one to try and out someone like SWG. But if you want to convince us all that you're as straight as you claim, might wanna try not being so catty.

Railroader · Jan 7, 2007, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

God is though. That said there's lots of reason why he might want some men and women not to be attracted to the opposite sex. Gay people are not capable of reproducing thus if they are to raise kids they must take in those who do not have parents suitable of raising them, which is fine.
That said sexuality has tons of uses other than simple reproduction.

You logic astounds me.

Railroader · Jan 7, 2007, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

You know... bitchyness is a clear sign of homosexuality. I mean, I'm not really one to try and out someone like SWG. But if you want to convince us all that you're as straight as you claim, might wanna try not being so catty.

No, it's not.

Seriously dude, you have to let up on the use of "that said" all the time. Rely on your words, not all the dramatic "that said" comments.

Or are you going to claim that drama is another homosexuality trait?

Railroader · Jan 7, 2007, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by Gossamer

THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID THAT SAID

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

THANK YOU!!!