Sex

A study has homed in on the sex-specific activity of a gene that both increases risk of developing schizophrenia and decreases the risk of developing lupus, offering novel insights into how some diseases appear in different rates in men and women.

Scientists investigating the genetics underlying a peculiar behavior in South Africa’s Cape honey bee have made a groundbreaking discovery, pinpointing the single gene that enables them to reproduce without having sex.

A team of US scientists has just solved a long-standing biological mystery – how exactly do millipedes mate? Using a variety of novel imaging methods, including microscopic ultraviolet photography and micro-CT scanning, the research finally figured out how these tiny creatures get it on.

A study has found an infusion of the naturally occurring hormone called kisspeptin can enhance brain activity related to sexual attraction in response to visual and odor cues. This suggests the hormone may be an effective treatment for low libido.

In the largest study ever conducted investigating disease risk and genetic sex hormone levels researchers have found naturally high testosterone levels can confer different effects between men and women, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes.

An observational study has linked fish oil supplements with improved semen quality and testicular function in healthy men. The research can't prove causation, however, it does echo research reaching similar conclusions in men with fertility issues.

New research is elucidating the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on fetal development. The research is finding links between a mother's stress levels during pregnancy and several birth outcomes including brain development and a baby’s sex.

Two new studies are shedding light on the mystery of why women suffer from Alzheimer’s at higher rates than men. As well as discovering sex-specific genes associated with Alzheimer’s risk, the researchers describe how toxic dementia-causing proteins spread differently through female brains.

A thought-provoking study has presented a comparison between male and female serial killers. The sex differences in behaviors and crimes have been framed through a lens of evolutionary psychology suggesting our hunter-gatherer history has manifested differences between male & female serial killers.

It’s generally understood that an embryo with two X chromosomes will develop as female, while an XY combo will be male. But this simple rule may be too simple. A new genetics study out of Australia has identified extra pieces of the puzzle that could explain some disorders of sex development (DSD).

A new study has identified twelve significant genetic differences between transgender women and non-transgender males. It is hypothesized that these genes, known to be involved in sex hormone signaling, possibly contribute to a person's ultimate sense of gender identity.

Most species of termites reproduce the old fashioned way. But nature, always looking for more efficient ways to do things, may be in the process of removing unnecessary steps in the process – males. Researchers have now found colonies with no male termites at all, and they seem to be thriving.