Discovery about the 'Biological Clock' of the Female Brain

SOURCE www.telegraph.co.uk
Scientists in California discovered that the silent unused 'X' sex chromosome in aging female mice reactivates and helps protect the brain by producing a critical brain protein, potentially explaining why women age better than men.

Key Points

  • Silent 'X' sex chromosome in aging female mice reactivates and produces a brain protein that protects brain cells
  • Reactivation of the chromosome improves cognition in aging mice
  • Understanding sex-specific biology may impact treatment and prevention of diseases

Pros

  • Reactivation of the 'X' sex chromosome in aging female mice helps protect the brain by producing a critical brain protein
  • Understanding female-specific biology may lead to new treatments for brain health in both females and males
  • The research sheds light on sex differences in biological processes and diseases

Cons

  • The study was conducted on mice, and its direct applicability to humans needs further research
  • The long-term effects of reactivation of the 'X' sex chromosome on overall health need to be studied