Sex differences in human brain gene expression may shape disease risk

Originally summarised and published by Walter Beckwith on April 16, 2026

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Sex differences in the human brain at cell type resolution. [Figure created with BioRender.com]

 A new analysis of individual brain cells across several human brain regions reveals subtle but widespread differences in gene activity between male and female brains. This may help explain why some psychiatric and neurological disorders appear to affect the biological sexes differently, researchers report. Males and females, as defined by individuals with an XY and XX chromosomes, respectively, show marked differences in risk, prevalence, and progression of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. 

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