A scientific breakthrough could shed light on some of the biggest threats facing men's health.
Driving the news: According to new research published in the Journal of Nature, scientists have fully sequenced the DNA of the Y chromosome.
- Fully understanding the Y chromosome—present alongside an X chromosome in cells of people born male—had proven challenging until now, with over half of its sequences unknown.
Why it matters: The breakthrough will open doors for new medical research into the links between Y chromosomes and male health problems, including infertility, cancer, and heart disease.
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If you’ve ever wondered why women live longer than men, scientists believe one of the causes is that many men lose their Y chromosomes in some of their cells as they age, leaving them more vulnerable to health complications.
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Scientists believe some genes in the Y chromosome are needed to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Zoom out: Drugs designed to counteract the negative impact of the natural loss of Y chromosomes already exist. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more treatments for the life-threatening diseases that men typically experience as they age.—LA