The sexual preferences of microscopic worms have been manipulated in the laboratory so that they are attracted to the same sex, offering new evidence that sexuality may be hard-wired in the brain.

By activating a single gene in the brains of hermaphrodite nematode worms, scientists have induced them to attempt to mate with other hermaphrodites, instead of being attracted exclusively to males.

The findings, from a team in the United States, provide a fresh indication that homosexual or heterosexual preferences are not purely a matter of choice, but are deeply influenced by underlying biology.

While nematode worms are extremely simple organisms, and details of their behaviour are difficult to apply to people with any accuracy, the researchers said that the existence of a biological pathway to same-sex attraction offered a possible insight into human sexuality.

Source: The Times

"not purely a matter of choice, but are deeply influenced by underlying biology"

Umm.. I thought that was always known ?

Maybe they should use something different than a hermaphrodite worm. Its a hermaphrodite after all. It can swing both ways if it chooses. They should have done it to a mouse or something instead.