As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Writer Fuel: “Silent” X Chromosomes Reawaken In Older Females, Possibly Boosting Brain Power

x chromosome - deposit photos

Dormant genes on the X chromosome may reawaken in old age, potentially giving the aging female brain a boost that the male brain doesn’t receive.

This phenomenon may help to explain why, on many measures, females show a higher level of cognitive resilience in old age than males do.

The findings come from a new study in lab mice, and the researchers also backed up the results with genetic data from humans. More research is still needed to confirm that the findings in mice translate to people, but overall, the work points to a potential difference in how female and male brains age.

“Writer Fuel” is a series of cool real-world stories that might inspire your little writer heart. Check out our Writer Fuel page on the LimFic blog for more inspiration.

Full Story From Live Science