# New Insights into How Sex and Gender Influence Children's Brains
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Concepts of Sex and Gender
Scientific advancements continue to unveil exciting discoveries about ourselves, particularly how our brains function in relation to sex and gender. In recent years, discussions surrounding these topics have gained momentum, particularly in the United States, where they have become central to cultural debates and scientific inquiry.
Scientists have recognized that transgender individuals represent a diverse aspect of humanity. Current research suggests that sex and gender are linked to separate neural networks in the brains of children.
Section 1.1: Distinguishing Between Sex and Gender
To differentiate between sex and gender, I recommend several informative resources, including one from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and another from the Council of Europe (COE). Sex, usually assigned at birth (male, female, or intersex), is determined by biological factors like genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones. Gender, on the other hand, encompasses societal norms and roles associated with being male, female, or nonbinary, impacting individual self-presentation.
Both sex and gender shape life experiences and behaviors, but how do they influence brain function? Is there a fundamental distinction between what is considered a male or female brain?
Previous studies have suggested that sex plays a role in the likelihood of developing certain neurological conditions. For instance, individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) more frequently, while individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) often exhibit anxiety symptoms. However, the scientific community remains divided on whether these differences are biologically driven or more reflective of societal treatment based on gender.
Section 1.2: The Complexity of Brain Research
Researchers acknowledge that sex and gender are interconnected yet distinct concepts. However, the interchangeable use of these terms in research can lead to misleading conclusions about brain differences, potentially overlooking the influence of societal expectations.
Lara M. Wierenga, a neuroscientist from Leiden University, emphasized the importance of considering societal treatment in neuroscience research. Similarly, Sheila Shanmugan from the University of Pennsylvania pointed out that the historical conflation of these terms has led to gaps in understanding. Lucina Uddin, a UCLA professor, added that many prior studies have neglected to consider gender altogether.
Recent research led by Elvisha Dhamala, a neuroscientist at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, aims to rectify this. Dhamala argues for the necessity of distinguishing between sex and gender, stating, “It’s becoming more and more clear that just looking at sex itself is not enough.”
The first video, "Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning | Huberman Lab Podcast," delves into the implications of understanding how our brains operate in relation to various factors, including sex and gender.
Chapter 2: New Research Findings
Dhamala’s recent study, published on July 12, 2024, in Science Advances, sought to clarify the distinctions between sex and gender influences on brain activity. Utilizing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the research analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans from 4,727 children, aged 9 and 10.
The fMRI scans captured the children's brain activity during resting states and while engaged in tasks related to emotional processing and memory. Collecting data on gender proved more complex, as existing research is limited. The ABCD Study adopted a nuanced approach, asking children about their gender identity and also gathering parents' observations regarding their children's behaviors.
Section 2.1: Research Methodology
Dhamala’s study involved three main phases:
- The initial step required uploading brain scan data and participant sex information into a machine-learning model. This model aimed to detect subtle differences in brain activity between the AMAB and AFAB groups, achieving a 77% success rate in predicting sex.
- The second phase involved a distinct machine-learning model designed to predict gender based on the reports from children and their parents. Given the strong correlation between sex and gender, many brain networks associated with both exhibited overlap.
- Finally, the researchers compared networks linked to sex differences with those related to gender, uncovering a statistically significant distinction when using parent-reported data.
The second video, "Chapter 8 homework solutions MyMathLab," provides additional insights into how structured approaches can impact learning and understanding of complex topics, including neuroscience.
Section 2.2: Key Findings
The study revealed unique brain networks associated with sex, including those linked to the nervous system and visual, emotional, and motor functions. In contrast, networks tied to gender differences displayed a broader distribution across the brain, often relating to cognitive skills such as emotional processing and social cognition.
Dhamala cautioned that while these results are promising, it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about the implications of these brain network differences for behavior.
Chapter 3: Implications for Future Research
Dhamala and her colleagues advocate for a separate consideration of sex and gender in future biomedical research. Uddin noted that failing to account for gender could obscure the influence of other variables on health and behavior. Wierenga echoed this sentiment, suggesting that this research could revolutionize scientific methodologies.
As Dhamala indicated, it remains essential to expand this research to adult populations to see if these mappings change over time. The team plans to continue studying the same group of children as they transition into adolescence and adulthood.
Section 3.1: Cultural Considerations
Future investigations will also consider how cultural norms surrounding gender vary across different societies. The ABCD Study focuses exclusively on children in the United States, which may limit its applicability to a global context.
Section 3.2: The Need for Caution
Research on sex and gender differences in the brain often encounters challenges due to the potential for misinterpretation. Historical instances, such as claims of inherent gender-based intellectual inferiority, illustrate the risks of distorting scientific findings.
Dhamala emphasized the importance of including transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in research teams to mitigate bias and enhance understanding. She stated, “You can’t necessarily do research on a population if you’re not including that population in your research team.”
Chapter 4: A New Perspective
With the advancement of research capabilities, we are better positioned than ever to explore profound questions about human identity. The distinction between sex and gender, often conflated in the past, is now recognized as fundamental to understanding brain function. This evolving knowledge promotes a more nuanced appreciation of human diversity and the spectrum of gender identities.
As we continue to investigate these topics, it is crucial to remain open to new findings that challenge long-held assumptions. This research signifies an important step toward a deeper understanding of ourselves, reinforcing the idea that diversity is not only valuable but essential.
P.S. Be sure to revisit the NIH and COE resources for further insights into the differences between sex and gender!
This article originally appeared in my newsletter, Curious Adventure. Thank you for your readership and support.