Researchers have found a pair of neurons that help to remember and seek sex even at the expense of food in male worms. These male-specific neurons are required for sex-based differences in learning, thus suggesting that sex differences in cognitive abilities can be genetically hardwired. These findings could have important therapeutic implications in the future.
Senior author Dr. Arantza Barrios from University College London said, "Areas of the brain involved in learning display sex differences in many animals, including humans, but how these differences directly affect behavior is not clear."
Safe Sex
Sex is fun but involves health risks such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs or unplanned pregnancy specially in those who have multiple partners or in those having unprotected sex.
The research team has shown how genetic and developmental differences between the two sexes lead to structural changes in the brain of male worms during sexual maturation. Dr. barrios said, "These changes make male brains work differently, allowing males to remember previous sexual encounters and prioritize sex in future situations."
The researchers were surprised to find previously unidentified cells that are responsible for the behavioral change as worms are an extremely well studied model organism. The investigators were able to show that the cells from which these male brain neurons are born share common characteristics to the cells that give rise to human brain neurons. They are called as glial cells, companion and support cells of neurons.
![Sex Addiction]( "Sex Addiction")
Is sex addiction a malady that can be treated or is it only an excuse for celebrity romps?
The newly identified pair of neurons, called 'mystery cells of the male' or 'MCMs', create behavioral differences between the sexes by changing a brain circuit common to both. The 'MCM' neurons are only made from glial cells that have male chromosomes.
Co-author professor Scott Emmons from Albert Einstein College of Medicine said, "Though the work is carried out in a small worm, it nevertheless gives us a perspective that helps us understand the variety of human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identification. The scientists can now exploit this system to understand how fully differentiated glia can re-enter the cell cycle and generate neurons."
The study was published in Nature.
Source: IANS
Sex Addiction
Is sex addiction a malady that can be treated or is it only an excuse for celebrity romps?
The newly identified pair of neurons, called 'mystery cells of the male' or 'MCMs', create behavioral differences between the sexes by changing a brain circuit common to both. The 'MCM' neurons are only made from glial cells that have male chromosomes.
Co-author professor Scott Emmons from Albert Einstein College of Medicine said, "Though the work is carried out in a small worm, it nevertheless gives us a perspective that helps us understand the variety of human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identification. The scientists can now exploit this system to understand how fully differentiated glia can re-enter the cell cycle and generate neurons."
The study was published in Nature.
Source: IANS
So-called Innate Ability to Accurately Guess Someone's Sexual Orientation Is Not Real
The researchers challenged a 2008 study that concluded people could accurately guess someone's sexual orientation based on photographs of their faces.
 Multiple Sex Partners and Drug Link for WomenSubstance use disorders have found to be increased among young adults who have taken into having multiple sexual partners. |
Recommended Reading
Latest Research News
Studies using brain scans shows that how our brain helps us experience and remember our daily surroundings.
Scientists explore a potential mechanism that a jawless fish called the lampreys employs to swim again after spinal cord injuries.
New study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) preteens exhibit more social media and mobile phone addiction than straight peers.
The model for memory consolidation claims that the hippocampus forms new memories and, as time goes on, trains the cortex to store enduring memories.
A new study explored the link between T immune cells in ill patients and mortality risk.
