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Study Reveals 940 Genes Linked to Fetal Brain Sex Differences

10/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study analyzing 38,000 brain cells from mid-gestation human fetuses found more than 940 genes expressed differently by sex.
Sex hormones had minimal impact on gene expression during this fetal brain development.
A separate study finds individuals diagnosed with autism later in life often have distinct genetic profiles and developmental pathways compared with earlier diagnoses.

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Story summary

A study analyzing 38,000 brain cells from mid-gestation human fetuses found more than 940 genes expressed differently by sex.
Sex hormones had minimal impact on gene expression during this fetal brain development.
A separate study finds individuals diagnosed with autism later in life often have distinct genetic profiles and developmental pathways compared with earlier diagnoses.