Fruit Fly Pride?

So, my question is... well, i have a couple of questions:

1. What drove scientists to research the genetics of fruit flies? I mean, were the little flies having a loud and proud parade?

1b. What kind of floats would fruit flies build?

1c. Is that why they're called FRUIT flies? that's not very nice...

2. Why would scientists be studying flies?? SERIOUSLY??? FLIES??? they aren't even within the human spectrum of existance!!

3. If you kill a fruit fly... are you commiting a hate crime??


Original Article from The Advocate...

Study finds gay gene in fruit flies

Researchers in Chicago have discovered a gene that identifies homosexuality in fruit flies, which can be turned on and off with drugs. David Featherstone, a biologist at the University of Illinois, said that while humans have a similar gene, it has yet to be determined whether that gene has any effect on same-sex attractions in humans.

Researchers have found that fruit flies with a mutated "gender-blind" gene are bisexual. The flies cannot tell the difference between male and female pheromones, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The mutation strengthens synapses, causing the flies to overreact to the pheromones. This causes the fruit flies to be attracted to both males and females.

"The [gender-blind] mutant males treated other males exactly the same way normal male flies would treat a female," Featherstone said in the article. "They even attempted copulation."

The study tested the hypothesis by giving the bisexual fruit flies drugs that weakened their synapses. Within hours the flies engaged exclusively in heterosexual activity. The group also gave heterosexual flies drugs that strengthened their synapses, causing them to be attracted to both male and female flies.