Source: Xinhua
04-10-2009 09:58
Special Report: Tech MaxWASHINGTON, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Does love at first sight truly exist? According to a study published in the April issue of the journal Genetics, the answer might be yes -- at least for fruit flies.
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| According to a study published in the April issue of the journal Genetics, the answer might be yes -- at least for fruit flies.(File photo) |
In experiments involving fruit flies (which may have implications for humans), a team of scientists from the United States and Australia discovered that at the genetic level, some males and females are more compatible than others, and that this compatibility plays an important role in mate selection, mating outcomes, and future reproductive behaviors.
The research team found that before mating, females experience what amounts to "genetic priming," making them more likely to mate with certain males over others.
"Our research helps to shed light on the complex biochemistry involved in mate selection and reproduction," Mariana Wolfner, professor of developmental biology at Cornell University and the senior scientist involved in the study, said. "These findings may lead to ways to curb unwanted insect populations by activating or deactivating genes that play a role in female mating decisions," she said.
