In today’s New York Times, I have a feature about the X chromosome. The X chromosome is one of those things that we learn about early on in school, and yet it still contains mysteries–ones that potentially have a direct impact on our health. Men have one X chromosome and one Y, while women have two X’s. This imbalance has led to all sorts of remarkable things–most remarkable of which is the fact that women shut down one of their X chromosomes–but which chromosome (mom or dad’s) depends on the cell.
I explore several lines of research in this piece, but the original nudge came from one new study in particular. Jeremy Nathans of Johns Hopkins and his colleagues came up with a way to light up cells based on which X chromosome they used. The complexity is gorgeous.
Here are three images that we didn’t have room for in the news article. Red cells use the father’s X, green cells the mother’s. Bear in mind that each chromosome carries different versions of the 1,000+ genes on the X. What these patterns mean for female biology is anyone’s guess.
First, an auditory hair cell from the inner ear of a mouse:
Then the tongue in cross-section (note the side-to-side differences):
And, finally, the heart:
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains