The following caught my eye in today’s Weekly News from Science:

Can epigenetics explain homosexuality puzzle?

Michael Balter

A new study suggests that epigenetic effects-chemical modifications of the human genome that alter gene activity without changing the DNA sequence-may sometimes influence sexual orientation. Researchers studied methylation, the attachment of a methyl group to specific regions of DNA, in 37 pairs of male identical twins who were discordant—meaning that one was gay and the other straight-and 10 pairs who were both gay. Their search yielded five genome regions where the methylation pattern appears very closely linked to sexual orientation. A model that predicted sexual orientation based on these patterns was almost 70% accurate within this group—although that predictive ability does not necessarily apply to the general population.

The topic, of course, isn’t one we normally address here at the Cornwall Alliance, but my interest in the story is primarily because it exemplifies the ease with which studies that fall far short of proper standards of scientific rigor get published in prestigious, refereed journals. The statistical significance of this study’s findings is minimal because of the small and unrepresentative sample size and the low predictive power even granted that small sample.

Weak studies like this play a major role in all kinds of environmental claims, from dangerous manmade global warming to rapid species extinction, rapid deforestation, and many other topics.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test all things, hold fast what is good.” That’s the real spirit of science. Geneva College biology professor Daryl Sas wrote an outstanding article for us a couple of years ago that teaches us how to do that with scientific studies: “What’s Incredible? Learning to Read Science Articles with a Critical Eye.” Read it, and you’ll be far less likely to fall prey to bogus “scientific” “studies.”