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submitted 3 days ago by leaf to c/transgender

An experiment in mice has discovered that a mother’s iron deficiency alters sex determination. Until now, it was believed that only genetics defined this biological trait

NOTE: The researchers rightly point out that the findings might not apply to people at all.

BUT... it is an important clue that genetics alone don't determine sex at birth. And while the focus is (inevitably) on genitalia, there is some acknowledgment that other aspects of sexual development might be affected as well. Possibly, I wonder, the brain. Where our own understanding of our sexual selves resides.

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[-] Spacehooks@reddthat.com 3 points 1 day ago

very low iron levels in the mother can transform males into females, regardless of their genetics.

No way they are doing this expernent in humans ultra unethical but man I would like to know.

[-] ryedaft@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Until now, it was believed that only genetics determined this biological trait

In mammals! You're only talking about mammals here! Please, I am begging you to learn biology or talk to biologists.

[-] Letstakealook@lemm.ee 6 points 1 day ago

Yes, that quote follows the headline, which specifies mammals.

[-] WillowBe 2 points 2 days ago

And even there, sex still is unrelated to gender. A lack of anything would hopefully never be correlated to preferring another gender norm than the assigned one.

this post was submitted on 04 Jun 2025
40 points (100.0% liked)

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