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How female chimps call off the competition

Chimpanzee females employ copulation calls strategically to minimize social competition, particularly with other females. This behavioral adaptation allows them to secure the protective support of high-ranking males, thereby reducing risks associated with female-female competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2008

More flight than fancy?

Females may be more astute at choosing a mate, favoring mates with longer tails that signal aerodynamic abilities rather than attractive ornaments. Tail length is linked to natural selection, not sexual selection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

Men and women: The differences are in the genes

A recent study published in Nature found that genes on the inactive X chromosome can escape inactivation and be expressed in females, leading to a stronger overall concentration of particular genes. This discovery could explain some of the differences between men and women that aren't attributable to sex hormones.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2005

Women in science: Better in Britain?

A recent survey of UK scientists suggests a link between success and encouragement, with women performing better than men in some areas. The UK is working to improve these numbers through initiatives like the Athena Project, which aims to promote women's careers in science, engineering, and technology.

Male birds' ability to learn song affects female mating response

Researchers found that the quality of a male bird's learned song is linked to its attractiveness to females, who prefer well-copied wild-type songs. The study suggests that females use song-learning ability as an indicator of male quality and provides insight into the role of traits learned by males in sexual success.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateSep 10, 2002

Women faculty in science and engineering

The University of Michigan has received a five-year, $3.7 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve opportunities for tenure-track women faculty in science and engineering fields. The project aims to address the slow increase in women faculty numbers over the past decade.

Big brother has a lot to answer for

Researchers found that having an older brother predisposes individuals to random body asymmetries, such as hand and ear width variations. The study suggests a link between the immune system's response to male fetuses, with each successive male triggering a stronger reaction.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateDec 7, 1999