On average, women tend to live longer than men, a pattern observed globally. Various theories have been suggested to explain this phenomenon, including men’s higher risk-taking behavior, smoking habits, and the protective effects of estrogen. Some ideas emphasize the advantages of having two X chromosomes compared to one Y chromosome, but no single explanation fully accounts for the differences.
Recent research has introduced intriguing alternative explanations centered on the Y chromosome. It appears that as men age, they may progressively lose this chromosome from many of their cells.
This loss of the Y chromosome doesn’t come with noticeable symptoms. “To my knowledge, there’s no evidence suggesting that men who lose their Y chromosome are aware of it,” stated Lars Forsberg from Uppsala University in Sweden. However, researchers have found that a significant number of older men are impacted, highlighting long-term consequences for immune health and an increased risk of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“For men, losing the Y chromosome is undesirable as it could significantly shorten lifespan,” mentioned Kenneth Walsh from the University of Virginia. The growing awareness of the Y chromosome’s importance for health is paving the way for potential new methods to support men’s health as they age.
Most individuals…
Source: www.newscientist.com
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