University of Chicago scientists have used high-tech imaging 'to confirm that the hypothalamus—the sex center in the brain—functions differently in gay men than in heterosexual men,' reported the Chicago Tribune Nov. 13.
There have been many studies over the years trying to determine if there is a 'cause' for homosexuality. The 'nature vs nurture' debate uses these numerous studies.
The Tribune said U. of C.'s Howard Moltz, professor emeritus in psychology, headed the team showing that sexual orientation in men appears to be connected with brain metabolism. The report was presented last week at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans by Leann Kinnunen, a U. of C. psychology graduate.
Using positron emission tomography (PET) to monitor the neurochemical function of the hypothalamus in eight exclusively heterosexual men and eight exclusively gay men, Moltz found a significantly greater level of activity in the straight men, the paper said. 'Whether this neurochemical difference is the cause of, or a consequence of, or something that accompanies this kind of heterosexuality and homosexuality is yet to be determined,' Moltz said. 'But it's the strongest research I know to suggest that it might be hardwired.'
'This report fits in with an increasing body of data suggesting that sexual orientation has a biological basis,' said Simon LeVay. In 1991, LeVay found in autopsy studies that the front section of the hypothalamus of heterosexual men was larger than that of heterosexual women and that the size in gay men was also small, nearly the same size as females, the Tribune reported.
