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November 22, 2008 11:28:29 CST

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Brains Look Alike in Gay Men, Straight Women

Posted Jun 17, 08 12:24 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Gay men and straight women have similarly shaped brains, new research shows. Homosexual men and heterosexual women both have relatively symmetrical brains, while heterosexual men and lesbians have significantly larger right hemispheres, reports the Guardian. The research provides new evidence that sexual orientation is hardwired into the brain.

It's unclear, however, whether the brain's shape causes sexual orientation or the other way around. "These differences might be laid down during brain development in the womb, or they could happen after birth, though it could very likely be a combination of the two," said the lead researcher.

Source Guardian (UK)

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Scientist: "These differences might be laid down during brain development in the womb, or they could happen after birth, though it could very likely be a combination of the two."   ((c) bionicteaching)
The brains of homosexual men and heterosexual women are more symmetrical.   (AP Photo)
The new research offers new evidence that sexual orientation is hardwired into our neural circuitry.   ((c) Gaetan Lee)
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