Genetic influences on variation in female orgasmic function: a twin study by Dr KM Dunn, Dr LF Cherkas and Prof TD Spector (DOI: rsbl.2005.0308 Ref: 05BL0033)
Women in the general population commonly report difficulty achieving orgasm, but the causes of this are unclear as are the reasons for the large variations between women. One possible explanation is a role for genes. 4037 female twins from the TwinsUK register were surveyed confidentially about sexual problems. A sizeable genetic influence was seen on ability to orgasm during intercourse or masturbation. These results show for the first time that the ability to orgasm in females has a genetic basis and cannot be attributed solely to cultural influences. These results should stimulate further research into female sexual function.
Contact: Dr Kate Dunn, Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, KEELE, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom

Avian collision risk at an offshore wind farm by Mark Desholm and Johnny Kahlert
The fast development of wind power production into marine areas has caused great public concerns for the possible lethal effects on waterbirds. The present radar study documents a substantial avoidance response by migrating waterbirds to a large offshore wind farm. A larger proportion of the birds fly between the turbines at night compared to day time, but counteract this higher risk of colliding with the turbines in the dark by keeping a longer distance to individual turbines. Overall, less than 1% of the ducks and geese fly close enough to the turbines to be at any risk of collision.
Contact: Mark Desholm, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Biodiversity, National Environmental Research Institute, Grenvej, 12, DK-8410 Rnde, Denmark.

Image content influences men's semen quality by Ms SJK Kilgallon and Professor LWS Simmons
When females mate with more than one male sperm from each male must compete t
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Contact: Tim Watson
tim.watson@royalsoc.ac.uk
44-20-7451-2508
Royal Society
7-Jun-2005