In other exciting science news, genetic manipulation can turn fruit flies gay:
New research has shown that the manipulation of a single gene in female fruit flies can make their sexual behavior resemble that of males, in a study that demonstrates the power of individual genes and the profound impact of genetics on complex sexual behavior.
The research was done with the gene "fruitless," which is present in both male and female fruit flies and some other insect species. Ordinarily, only in males does this gene result in the creation of proteins that guide male sexual behavior patterns – such as approaching females, tapping them, singing to them and performing little courtship dances.
However, through genetic manipulations the research group of university scientists was able to cause these same proteins to be produced in females, and when they were, the females showed classic patterns of male sexual behavior.
"When this genetic process was triggered in females, they acted as if they were masculinized," said Barbara Taylor, a professor of zoology at OSU. "And this was a single gene expressed in just a very small number of cells, controlling a surprisingly complex behavior. In a physical sense the females looked perfectly normal, but they acted like males and, if they were physically able to, I would not be surprised if they would have attempted to mate other females."
Apparently when I say "no mayonnaise" fast food workers instead hear "make sure it's dripping with extra mayonnaise." The next time I order from Heavenly Hams, if I see an adult I'm going to ask him/her if I need to phrase my request as a hip-hop song to get the kids making the sandwiches to understand me.
Today is apparently "Let's do lewd and inappropriate dances at school day" in NYC because I got to see a thrilling performance to "Gasolina" and watch a class full of Puerto Rican kids try to explain to their very nice and infinitely patient non-Puerto Rican teacher what Reggaeton is.
And I learned that Hawaiian Punch is even better than I remembered.
Here I am standing in a haze
Some guys says something about mayonnaise
I spread it on like it's the latest fad
Why does that dude look so mad
Bil, health-ma to your FIL, and support-ma to you and Ms. H.
Much health~ma to Ms. Havisham's dad, CaBil.
Less threat of competition from the younguns might be a good thing.
Speaking of less threat of competition from the younguns, did anybody link to the story of a polygamous Mormon sect abandoning between 1,000 and 4,000 of its young men to make room for more wives for the elders?
I can't remember which web site it was on, I'm looking for it now.
Today is apparently "Let's do lewd and inappropriate dances at school day" in NYC
Whoot whoot! I think it's because it cooled off some.
