01/03/2008
Scientists Prove the Six Beer Theory on Male Fruit Flies
Scientists feeding alcohol to fruit flies in an experimental "flypub" have demonstrated that, once intoxicated, the sexual inhibitions of male fruit flies are loosened and the flies begin to demonstrate a willingness to copulate with the same sex. They even have orgies.
"The researchers got the flies drunk on the fumes of an ethanol-doused cotton pad placed at the base of the chamber, and filmed them using a camera held above the Flypub’s transparent ceiling. Male Drosophila will normally only court females, following them and vibrating their wings in a courtship 'song', before attempting to copulate. The first time they were exposed to alcohol, groups of male flies became noticeably intoxicated but kept themselves to themselves. But with repeated doses of alcohol on successive days, homosexual courtship became common. From the third day onwards, the flies were forming 'courtship chains' of up to five amorous males."
The temperature-triggered release of the brain chemical dopamine was identified as the key element behind the change in behavior.
Check out the videos here.
More on that six beer theory here (warning NSFW).
Randy flies reveal how booze affects inhibitions [new scientist]
Posted 8:55 AM EST by Andy Towle in News, Science | Permalink
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What they don't tell you is that the next day, half the male fruit flies were standing around awkwardly while the other half said "Man, I was so drunk last night, I don't remember a thing!"
Posted by: David D. | Jan 3, 2008 9:47:29 AM
Wow.... That six beer report was kinda hot.... to bad they didn't post more pictures!! I think it is time for me to start acting straighter and watching spots!
Posted by: Nick | Jan 3, 2008 10:21:09 AM
That's it? A little bit more dopamine and I can have sex with a straight guy? Who woulda thunk!
Posted by: ReasonBased | Jan 3, 2008 11:55:48 AM
This helps explain my frequent dreams about Hugh Jackman and a six pack.
Posted by: Mike in the Tundra | Jan 3, 2008 12:34:36 PM
C'mere little boy. Let's do boilermakers >:-P muahahahahah....
DIBS ON THE REDHEAD!
That was a pretty funny study...oh yeah, and the fruitflies article was very informative, but like, DUH. They forgot to mention, in human studies, the number of beers necessary is also directly proportional to the recent lack of oral copulation with "straight" subject's girlfriend or wife or said girlfriend or wife's refusal to "get freaky".
Posted by: FizziekruntNT | Jan 3, 2008 2:10:05 PM
They should try to repeat this with humans on Mythbusters. I'm sure they've been asked!
Posted by: anon (gmail.com) | Jan 3, 2008 2:30:12 PM
I saw the Kinsey movie for the first time 2 weeks ago. I first learned about the Kinsey studies in college psych classes 20 years ago. It seems like it was discussed a lot back then about how the majority of people admit to same-sex attraction. Only about 35% admit to being totally straight. Fast-forward to 2008, almost 60 years after the seminal (couldn't resist) study was published and people are still trying to re-figure out homosex. Its like its some alien affliction that has be isolated and cured. Most people though are homosex attracted. Its a naturally occuring condition that more than likely plays a huge role in man's civilization evolution. Since the 1920's though its been demonized in Western culture. I think science should try to figure out why society's institutions, for the past 90 years, have been trying to snuff out a completely normal condition in the majority population, instead of why people are same-sex attracted.
Posted by: himbo with highlites | Jan 6, 2008 10:02:42 AM