London - Women who cheat on their partners may have an excuse.
For scientists have found a gene that raises the odds of a woman’s eyes wandering – but doesn’t have the same effect on men.
Researchers compared the behaviour of more than 7 300 adults who had been in a relationship for at least a year.
During this time, almost 10 percent of the men and six percent of the women admitted having more than one sexual partner – and were therefore classed as unfaithful.
After comparing participants’ behaviour to that of their siblings – some of whom were identical twins – scientists were able to establish a genetic link to female infidelity.Further study pinpointed one specific gene, called AVPR1A, which affects levels of a bonding chemical called vasopressin.
Dr Brendan Zietsch, from the University of Queensland in Australia, told the Sunday Telegraph: “The effect of any individual gene is tiny. But we did find evidence for a specific gene influencing infidelity in women.”
The study, which was published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, also found that cheating is written into male DNA. However scientists couldn’t narrow it down to a specific gene. - Daily Mail