While women have for centuries been labelled as the weaker sex, new research suggests the truth is quite the opposite.
According to a study, the fairer sex is genetically programmed to better resist infections and cancer, and also have a back-up system for fighting disease.
The discovery sheds light on why members of the so-called stronger sex succumb to man-flu.
Their immune systems are no match for those of wives and girlfriends because of the female X-chromosome, scientists believe.
The reason why women are more robust appears to be microRNAs - short strands of RNA encoded on the chromosome.
RNA is a genetic cousin of DNA and can have important biological effects.
The microRNAs have the effect of silencing immunity genes on a man's X-chromosome, according to the new research.
This leaves men at a disadvantage since they only have one X chromosome. Women have two, so that even when immunity genes are silenced on one the other can compensate, according to research published today in the journal BioEssays.
Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8793301/Women-found-to-be-the-tougher-sex.html
I could have told them this and saved them from doing unnecessary research!
According to a study, the fairer sex is genetically programmed to better resist infections and cancer, and also have a back-up system for fighting disease.
The discovery sheds light on why members of the so-called stronger sex succumb to man-flu.
Their immune systems are no match for those of wives and girlfriends because of the female X-chromosome, scientists believe.
The reason why women are more robust appears to be microRNAs - short strands of RNA encoded on the chromosome.
RNA is a genetic cousin of DNA and can have important biological effects.
The microRNAs have the effect of silencing immunity genes on a man's X-chromosome, according to the new research.
This leaves men at a disadvantage since they only have one X chromosome. Women have two, so that even when immunity genes are silenced on one the other can compensate, according to research published today in the journal BioEssays.
Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8793301/Women-found-to-be-the-tougher-sex.html
I could have told them this and saved them from doing unnecessary research!
