The Y chromosome degrades over time. And men's health is paying for it

The chromosome loss is linked to cancer and Alzheimer's

Photo collage of the X and Y chromosome micrograph. The latter is disintegrating.
It could be a major reason why females tend to have longer lifespans
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

The Y chromosome can disappear over time in human males, which may introduce a number of health problems. While the exact trigger for such degeneration is unknown, environmental factors can play a significant role. New research on the topic hints that the human Y chromosome is evolutionarily unstable and could even become extinct.

Chromosomal complications

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.