Sex
Accounting for a mosaic of sex differences: Q&A with Nicola Grissom
Breaking the binary view of sex traits can enable researchers to represent the broader complexity of behavior and cognition.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_GenderQA-1-1024x692.png)
Accounting for a mosaic of sex differences: Q&A with Nicola Grissom
Breaking the binary view of sex traits can enable researchers to represent the broader complexity of behavior and cognition.
Father’s genes may drive sociability in male monkeys
The findings in rhesus macaque monkeys may provide clues to sex differences in the heredity of social behavior in people.
![Photograph of a family of rhesus macaque monkeys.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-rhesus-macaque-social-functioning-autism.png)
Father’s genes may drive sociability in male monkeys
The findings in rhesus macaque monkeys may provide clues to sex differences in the heredity of social behavior in people.
The true meaning of a null result
This edition of Null and Noteworthy highlights results that reveal the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions from data, including new findings about epidurals that contradict several others and an apparent null result on sex differences that may derive from “circular logic.”
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
The true meaning of a null result
This edition of Null and Noteworthy highlights results that reveal the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions from data, including new findings about epidurals that contradict several others and an apparent null result on sex differences that may derive from “circular logic.”
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
![Position heatmaps of mice performing a behavioral assay.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-social-motivation-assay-autism.png)
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
Some who lack autism diagnosis carry variants tied to the condition
The variants are associated with slight differences in measures of intelligence, income and employment, but the relationship may not be causal.
![Blurry photograph of a crowd of people on a street.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-phenotypic-genetic-variants-autism.png)
Some who lack autism diagnosis carry variants tied to the condition
The variants are associated with slight differences in measures of intelligence, income and employment, but the relationship may not be causal.
New estimate suggests most autistic adults in England lack a formal diagnosis
The finding underscores a need for adult autism diagnostic services.
![A man looks out the window](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-autism-prevalence-england.jpg)
New estimate suggests most autistic adults in England lack a formal diagnosis
The finding underscores a need for adult autism diagnostic services.
Cortical differences in autism vary by sex
Compared with their non-autistic peers, young autistic girls have a thicker cortex that thins more quickly with age.
![Illustration of a brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cortex-brain-autism-INSAR-844.jpg)
Cortical differences in autism vary by sex
Compared with their non-autistic peers, young autistic girls have a thicker cortex that thins more quickly with age.
New measure characterizes gender diversity in study participants
The Gender Self-Report could help autism researchers include more gender-diverse people across a range of ages and neurotypes in their work.
![Illustration of a diverse group of bodies floating in space.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-gender-diversity-study-participants-autism.jpg)
New measure characterizes gender diversity in study participants
The Gender Self-Report could help autism researchers include more gender-diverse people across a range of ages and neurotypes in their work.
Maternal immune response dulls male rats’ social radar
Male rats prenatally exposed to a maternal immune response have atypical responses to other rats in distress, according to a new study.
![Research image of the posterior insular cortex.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/844-maternal-immune-activation-final.png)
Maternal immune response dulls male rats’ social radar
Male rats prenatally exposed to a maternal immune response have atypical responses to other rats in distress, according to a new study.
How scientists can counteract their unwitting contributions to autism’s sex bias
Common diagnostic and research practices may be adding to autism’s sex bias, but there are some simple steps scientists can take to counteract it.
![A young woman sits alone in a doctor’s office.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/iStock-1205788434.jpg)
How scientists can counteract their unwitting contributions to autism’s sex bias
Common diagnostic and research practices may be adding to autism’s sex bias, but there are some simple steps scientists can take to counteract it.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.