Male and female brains have different genes: Study

Technology Nov 06, 2025

A new study reveals that hundreds of genes behave differently in male and female brains—610 are more active in males, while 316 are more active in females.
These differences might help explain why some brain disorders, like Alzheimer's, show up differently between sexes.
The research adds fuel to the ongoing debate about whether cognitive differences come down to genetics.

Genes that are not sex-linked also play a role

Scientists found these gene activity patterns show up early in brain development and even appear in other primates, suggesting they're rooted deep in evolution.
Most of these genes aren't just about sex chromosomes or hormones; regular chromosomes play a big role too.
This challenges old ideas that only testosterone or estrogen drive how our brains develop.