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A nasal spray reaches a woman's brain differently depending on the week, and it may explain why a promising brain drug looked like a failure

A new study found that intranasal davunetide reaches the brain in higher amounts in female mice when estrogen peaks, with similar results seen in healthy adults. The findings suggest earlier trials mixing males and females may have obscured the true effects of the drug.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Female reproductive cancers and the sex gap in survival

A population-level cohort study of 20 low-mortality countries found that females aged 35-60 have higher cancer mortality rates than males, despite similar treatment and diagnostic pathways. The study highlights the need for targeted action to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of female reproductive cancers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2026

Sex and all-cause mortality in the US, 1999 to 2019

A cohort study of 47,000 adults found that males had a 63% greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to females after adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors. The study suggests intrinsic biological factors, such as sex hormones or immune response, may contribute to these sex differences in mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 30, 2026

Air pollution exposure and birth weight

A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 26, 2025

There’s something fishy going on with great white sharks that scientists can’t explain

Despite using a large genetic dataset, scientists were unable to find a definitive explanation for the formation of distinct great white shark populations in the southern Indo-Pacific Ocean. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that genetic divergence began around 7,000 years ago.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2025

Too many male animals in zoos could hamper conservation of endangered species, warn scientists

A large-scale study found that zoos are often breeding endangered animals in skewed sex ratios, which can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for zoos to collaborate and share data on their animal populations to manage conservation efforts effectively.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Heavy lifetime cannabis use and mortality by sex

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a positive association between heavy lifetime cannabis use and cardiovascular disease mortality among female participants. The study suggests that long-term cannabis use may have negative effects on mortality rates, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 6, 2024

Examining sex differences in autism heritability

A study of over 1 million Swedish children reveals that genetic differences contribute to phenotypic variation in autism spectrum disorder, differing significantly between males and females. The findings suggest underlying causes of autism may differ between the sexes, partly explaining the skewed sex ratio in the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 17, 2024

Binge drinking among sports gamblers

A recent survey study reveals binge drinking is more prevalent among sports wagering individuals compared to nongamblers and non–sports gamblers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address excessive alcohol consumption in this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024

Endangered turtle population under threat as pollution may lead to excess of females being born

A study by Griffith University found that pollution can compound the female-biasing influence of rising global temperatures on sea turtles. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, discovered that exposure to heavy metals and organic contaminants can feminize green sea turtle embryos.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Bhopal explosion may have heightened risk of disability and cancer among future generations

Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

Sex roles in the animal kingdom are driven by the ratio of females to males

Research suggests that the ratio of adult females to males influences sex roles in animal species. Variation in this ratio can lead to differences in mate competition, parental care, and social behavior among species. The study proposes that understanding these dynamics can inform conservation efforts.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022

Substance use disorder treatment during COVID-19

Researchers analyzed changes in substance use disorder treatment admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing significant disparities by sex and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches to address these inequities and ensure equitable access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 2022