Length of the ring and indexes related to sexuality & # 39;

One study suggests that women whose left index finger and ring finger have different lengths are more likely to be lesbians.

Scientists measured the fingers of 18 pairs of identical twins, one being upright and the other gay.

On average, lesbians, but not heterosexual twins, had indexes of different sizes and rings, typically male, but only in the left hand.

This could be the result of exposure to more testosterone in the uterus, researchers at the University of Essex said.

Scientists also measured the fingers of 14 pairs of identical male twins, where one was straight and the other homosexual, but found no connection.

Men and women have been exposed to the "masculine" hormone, testosterone, in the womb – but some may be exposed more than others, the scientists said.

The author of the study, Dr. Tuesday Watts, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex, said: "Like identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, may differ in their sexual orientation, factors other than genetics must take this into account.

"Research suggests that our sexuality is determined in the womb and depends on the amount of male hormone to which we are exposed or how our body reacts to this hormone, people exposed to higher levels high testosterone levels being more likely to be bisexual or homosexual.

"Because of the link between hormone levels and the difference in finger length, looking at someone's hands might provide a clue to their sexuality."

The results are published in Archives of Sexual Behavior.