Nature Podcast

Talking about sex and gender doesn't need to be toxic

Thu May 02 2024

sexgenderhealth researchbiomedical sciencesanimal researchmental health disorderstransgender healthresearch practices

Description

The podcast explores the increasing research into sex and gender in a polarized socio-political climate. Scientists are working to explore differences between individuals responsibly and inclusively. Three authors discuss their work on incorporating sex and gender considerations into health research. Stacy Brits emphasizes the importance of considering sex and gender in health research. Peg McCarthy's research focuses on how evolution shapes brain-behavior relationships, particularly in reproduction. Florence Ashley's interest lies in improving clinical care and research for trans communities by addressing misinformation.

Insights

Gender encompasses more than just gender identity

Gender includes social structures, performances, roles, and norms.

Including both sexes in research leads to more accurate findings

Research has shifted towards studying both male and female animals due to the impact of sex differences on outcomes. Including both sexes in research can avoid adverse effects, as seen in failed clinical trials with only male subjects.

Excluding sex as a variable is a practical starting point for research

Despite its complexity, excluding sex as a variable is seen as a practical starting point for research. Different approaches exist in research on sex and gender, with varying levels of nuance and categorization.

Categories like sex and gender are complex and not based on a single trait

Categories like sex and gender are complex and not based on a single trait, but rather a constellation of elements. Reporting how sex and gender are determined in research is crucial for enhancing rigor and accuracy.

Trans people are often excluded from healthcare studies

Trans people are often excluded from healthcare studies, leading to a lack of understanding of their healthcare needs. Studying trans and intersex individuals can provide valuable insights into biological processes that benefit everyone.

Concerns exist about the potential misuse of scientific research

Concerns exist about the potential misuse of scientific research for high-tech conversion practices. There is a call for more accurate, sensitive, and better-directed research resources in studying sex/gender.

Improving statistical analysis and rigor in research is crucial

Improving statistical analysis and rigor in research is crucial, moving away from solely focusing on p-values. There is a call for more inclusive research practices by engaging with trans scholars and expanding conceptual vocabulary beyond traditional sex and gender categories.

Sex and gender research should incorporate more nuance and rigor

Sex and gender research should incorporate more nuance and rigor in statistical analysis and language use. Educating the next generation of scientists to consider sex and gender sensitivities from the start of their careers is crucial for transformative impact.

Summary

Transcript

Introduction

00:01 - 07:43

The podcast focuses on the increasing research into sex and gender in a polarized socio-political climate.
Scientists are working to explore differences between individuals responsibly and inclusively.
Three authors discuss their work on incorporating sex and gender considerations into health research.
Stacy Brits emphasizes the importance of considering sex and gender in health research.
Peg McCarthy's research focuses on how evolution shapes brain-behavior relationships, particularly in reproduction.
Florence Ashley's interest lies in improving clinical care and research for trans communities by addressing misinformation.

Understanding Sex and Gender

07:20 - 15:05

Gender and sex have historically been used interchangeably but efforts have been made to distinguish them in biomedical sciences.
There is a distinction between sex as biology and gender as social, but the boundaries are not always clear-cut.
In animal research, gender is often excluded to focus solely on biological sex for rigor, acknowledging additional contextual constructs.
Recognizing the complexity of human health, it's important to consider gender entanglement with sex in biomedical research.
Gender encompasses more than just gender identity, including social structures, performances, roles, and norms.

Including Both Sexes in Research

14:55 - 22:22

There is a lack of language to discuss the relevance of laboratory animals in relation to humans.
Using terms like sex for animals may lead to over-interpretation and projection from human experiences.
Research has shifted towards studying both male and female animals due to the impact of sex differences on outcomes.
Including both sexes in research can lead to more accurate findings and avoid adverse effects, as seen in failed clinical trials with only male subjects.
Gender plays a role in mental health disorders, with different risk factors and resilience factors between males and females.

Approaches in Research on Sex and Gender

21:52 - 29:16

Excluding sex as a variable is seen as a practical starting point for research, despite its complexity.
There is a tension between the simplification needed for experimentation and the complexity of sex and gender.
Different approaches exist in research on sex and gender, with varying levels of nuance and categorization.
Studies vary in how they categorize individuals based on sex, leading to potential inconsistencies in reporting.
Categories related to sex and gender are subjective decisions that can impact research outcomes.

Complexity of Sex and Gender

28:54 - 35:50

Categories like sex and gender are complex and not based on a single trait, but rather a constellation of elements.
Research should focus on understanding mechanisms rather than just identifying differences between categories.
Reporting how sex and gender are determined in research is crucial for enhancing rigor and accuracy.
Sex chromosomes can be unstable in cell cultures and organoids, leading to complications in determining sex.
Beliefs and biases about sex and gender can influence scientific studies, highlighting the importance of critical self-interrogation.
There is a tendency to frame health influences based on sex and gender into binary categories despite overlapping data, leading to oversimplification.

Inclusive Research and Trans Health

35:25 - 42:38

Trans people are often excluded from healthcare studies, leading to a lack of understanding of their healthcare needs.
There is a call for more inclusive research in medicine and healthcare to improve health outcomes for all individuals.
Studying trans and intersex individuals can provide valuable insights into biological processes that benefit everyone.
There is a need to move beyond binary comparisons in research studies to account for the complexity of human diversity.
More resources should be dedicated to studying the health of transgender people to address their specific needs.

Controversies and Concerns

42:20 - 49:53

Experiments with testosterone on female rat pups can provide insights into brain development and transgender issues.
Legislation based on gamete size to determine gender identity is criticized as harmful and marginalizing.
Acceptance of homosexuality as a biological variant has progressed, and similar acceptance is desired for transgender individuals.
Concerns exist about the potential misuse of scientific research for high-tech conversion practices.
There is a call for more accurate, sensitive, and better-directed research resources in studying sex/gender.

Improving Research Practices

49:23 - 56:30

Scientists are pressured to produce fast science, leading to a lack of thorough consideration in research design.
There is confusion in terminology related to sex and gender, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines and definitions.
Improving statistical analysis and rigor in research is crucial, moving away from solely focusing on p-values.
Emphasis should be placed on identifying sex differences that are biologically significant and relevant to human health.
High-impact journals like Nature play a significant role in shaping research priorities and career success for scientists.
There is a call for more inclusive research practices by engaging with trans scholars and expanding conceptual vocabulary beyond traditional sex and gender categories.

Conclusion

56:01 - 1:01:11

Sex and gender research should incorporate more nuance and rigor in statistical analysis and language use.
Researchers should be cautious when extrapolating findings from animal models to human conditions due to additional layers of complexity.
Educating the next generation of scientists to consider sex and gender sensitivities from the start of their careers is crucial for transformative impact.