Unlucky in love? Blame your parents

April 27, 2010

Holly Enriquez

Thursday, February 18, 2010

http://health.msn.co.nz/sex/relationships/1013987/unlucky-in-love-blame-your-parents

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For women wondering why they're more Bridget Jones than Paris Hilton, the answer may be in the genes, Australian scientists claim. Researchers from the University of Western Australia have discovered that some of the secrets of attraction are hidden in the immune system genes, which we are dealt by our parents, the UK's Daily Mail reported.

VIEW GALLERY: Why we fall in love

The study, which appeared in the journal Animal Behaviour, revealed the more varied these genes, the more boyfriends a woman will have. One hundred and fifty students at the university gave a DNA sample to researchers and filled out a detailed questionnaire about their love lives — or lack thereof. The DNA was analysed for variations in the genes which influence the immune system and dictate how susceptible the individual is to disease. The results were then matched with the survey. Researchers found that women with the most varied major histocompatibility (MHC) genes had the most sexual partners. However, they were unsure whether genes make her irresistible to the opposite sex, or whether it makes them more attractive to her. "It is possible that MHC-diverse women have more sexual partners because they actually seek more partners, rather than because males prefer diverse partners," researchers said. There was no link between a man's MHC genes and love-life success however.

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