Promiscuity Alters DNA and Boosts Immunity In Mice 91
An anonymous reader writes "Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley found that promiscuous mice have significantly stronger immune systems than monogamous mice, suggesting that promiscuous mice may have developed more robust immunity to protect them against the disease-causing bacteria they are exposed to from mating with multiple partners."
Re:Ha (Score:4, Interesting)
I bet it's not about the encounters (Score:5, Interesting)
I bet it's not about the encounters but all about the lesser sexual stress/frustration. I'd argue it's the same with humans, to a certain degree. Mostly men, but women too. Unsafe sex endangers your health, but a solid amount of safe sex is likely to be good for health. That would be my theory at least.
The negative influence that sexual frustration has on ones health is vastly underestimated, I've come to believe. Especially since I've experienced what positive effects a healthy sex life can have.
My 2 cents.
Re:Alters DNA? (Score:4, Interesting)
In other words : promiscuous mice are more likely to get infected, and as such, the ones with a bad immune system died out, leaving only the mice with a stronger immune system.
Since other mice were not influenced by this specific natural selection, they are less immune.
Re:I bet it's not about the encounters (Score:5, Interesting)
Whatever Carter's faults, he paved the way for the revival of the American brewing industry. Here's a joke you haven't heard for decades:
Why is American beer like having sex in a canoe?
They're both fucking close to water.
Imagine a world where the only options are Budweiser, Coors, or Miller. Terrible! Yet it existed. Carter legalized home brewing, which led to the resurgence of microbreweries that we tipplers currently enjoy. So if you'll excuse me, I will raise a glass to the continued health of Mr. Carter and the American beer industry!