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News18
27-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Why Are Men Taller Than Women? Science Has The Answer
Last Updated: A recent study examining genetic information from almost one million individuals has helped explain why men tend to be taller than women. On average, men tend to be about five inches taller than women. Although hormones have traditionally been the main reason for this, recent studies highlight the influence of genetics, especially sex chromosomes, as a key factor behind this persistent height difference. A thorough study featured in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) examined genetic information from close to one million adults. Researchers utilised data from three major sources: the UK Biobank and two U.S.-based biobanks—MyCode and All of Us. Out of the 928,605 participants, 1,225 were found to have an unusual number of sex chromosomes, offering a unique perspective on the biological factors that impact height. What the SHOX Gene Does The study focuses on the SHOX gene, which is essential for determining height. This gene is found in a region called PAR1—pseudoautosomal region 1—that exists on both the X and Y chromosomes, allowing it to act similarly regardless of which sex chromosome it's on. In females (XX), one X chromosome is mostly inactive, but genes in the PAR1 region, like SHOX, still work a little, though not fully. In males (XY), both the X and Y chromosomes use the SHOX gene completely, leading to higher activity of the gene. By studying people with different numbers of sex chromosomes, like extra X or Y chromosomes, the researchers discovered that having an extra Y chromosome had a bigger impact on height than an extra X chromosome. This finding was consistent across various ancestry groups, showing a clear genetic effect on how tall someone is. To understand how these chromosome differences affect height, the researchers used a statistical method called multivariate linear regression. This helped them consider factors like hormones, inactive chromosomes, and disorders such as Klinefelter and Turner syndromes. Their results showed that genetics from the Y chromosome accounts for a large part—up to 22.6 per cent—of the average height difference between men and women. Matthew Oetjens, the lead researcher from Geisinger College of Health Sciences, highlighted the important role of the SHOX gene. He explained that because SHOX is located near the end of the sex chromosomes, it avoids being fully silenced in females, but only to some extent. In males, both the X and Y chromosomes work together to increase the genes' activity, which influences greater height. New Insights Although the SHOX gene explains about a quarter of the average height difference between men and women, scientists think other factors like sex hormones and unknown genes also contribute. Eric Schadt, a professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, said that using large biobank data helped solve a long-standing mystery. He added that while the gene's impact is small, it's an important step toward better understanding how humans grow. Previous studies have found that over the last hundred years, men's height has increased faster than women's, making the difference between them even bigger. Social research also shows that women usually prefer taller men as partners. However, scientists warn that being taller might come with a higher risk of some cancers because taller people have more cell growth. These findings improve our knowledge of why men and women differ in height and offer a starting point to study genetic reasons for other differences between the sexes. Researchers aim to keep exploring genes like SHOX and how they work with hormones and other body systems to better understand the complicated processes behind human growth and health. First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:28 IST
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What exactly makes men taller than women? New study reveals genetic truth that might surprise you
Men are generally taller than women, with an average height gap of about five inches. While hormonal differences have often been credited for this, new research points to genetic factors—particularly the role of the sex chromosomes—as a significant contributor to this long-standing biological difference. A comprehensive study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) analyzed genetic data from nearly one million adults. The research drew from three major biobanks: the UK Biobank and two from the United States—MyCode and All of Us. Among the 928,605 participants, 1,225 individuals were identified with atypical numbers of sex chromosomes, providing a rare insight into the biological mechanisms influencing height. The Role of the SHOX Gene At the core of the study is the SHOX gene—short stature homeobox—which plays a key role in regulating height. The SHOX gene resides in a specific region shared by both the X and Y chromosomes, known as pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1). This allows it to function similarly in both chromosomes. In typical human females (XX), one of the X chromosomes is largely inactive, except for genes in PAR1, including SHOX. However, these genes still experience partial silencing. In contrast, males (XY) have both an active X and Y chromosome, each expressing SHOX without inactivation, leading to higher gene expression. By comparing individuals with various chromosomal configurations—such as those with extra X or Y chromosomes—the researchers found that an additional Y chromosome contributed more significantly to increased height than an additional X chromosome. This pattern held true across different ancestry groups, highlighting a consistent genetic influence on stature. Beyond Hormones: Statistical Evidence To measure the impact of these chromosomal differences, researchers used multivariate linear regression to account for the influence of hormones, inactive chromosomes, and conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome. Their analysis concluded that genetic contributions from the Y chromosome explained a substantial portion—up to 22.6%—of the average height gap between men and women. Matthew Oetjens, senior author of the study and a genetics researcher at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, emphasized the biochemical significance of SHOX. He pointed out that its position near the tip of the sex chromosomes allows it to escape silencing in females, though only partially. In males, both chromosomes actively contribute, enhancing the gene's expression and its effect on height. Impact and Implications While the SHOX gene accounts for roughly a quarter of the average height difference , researchers believe other factors—such as sex hormones and yet-undiscovered genetic elements—also play important roles. According to Eric Schadt, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the use of large-scale biobank data was instrumental in shedding light on a mystery that has puzzled scientists for decades. He acknowledged that while the gene's effect is modest, it represents a key step forward in understanding human growth. Earlier research has also noted trends in height change over the past century, indicating that men have gained height at a faster rate than women, further widening the gap. Social studies have shown that women tend to prefer taller male partners, though scientists caution that taller individuals may also face higher risks for certain cancers due to increased cell division. The findings not only enhance our understanding of human height differences but also provide a foundation for exploring genetic explanations behind other sex-based disparities. Researchers hope that further study into genes like SHOX and their interactions with hormones and other biological systems will continue to reveal more about the complexities of human growth and health outcomes.
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First Post
25-05-2025
- Science
- First Post
Why are men taller than women? Genes hold the answer
On average, men usually have five inches more in height than women. But why? Scientists have now found an answer to this pertinent question. A gene called SHOX, associated with height, is partially responsible read more SHOX gene is one of the factors behind men being taller than women. Representational Image/Pixabay Men are generally taller than women. The two sexes have an average height difference of about five inches. While this is a known fact, a question worth asking is: Why are men taller than women? Scientists have found an answer, which partially explains this: genes. But how? Let's understand. How the study was conducted A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday (May 19) involved the genetic data of nearly one million (10 lakh) people. Researchers studied data from three biobanks – two in the United States and one in the United Kingdom. Of the roughly one million people whose information was in the biobanks, the scientists found 1,225 people had missing or extra X or Y chromosomes, as per a New York Times (NYT) report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While men have one X and one Y chromosome, women have two X chromosomes. The gene behind height difference Scientists have found that a gene called SHOX is responsible for the difference in male and female heights. Also called short stature homeobox-containing gene, it is linked to height. SHOX is present on both the X chromosome and the Y chromosome. After studying the genetic data of more than 1,000 people who had either missing or extra X or Y chromosomes, researchers discovered that an additional Y chromosome gave a greater height boost than an extra X. Men, on average, are about five inches taller than women. Representational Image/Pixabay Matthew Oetjens, a genetics researcher at Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Danville, Pennsylvania, explained that the SHOX gene is placed near the end of the sex chromosomes, as per NYT. In women, most genes on one of the two X chromosomes are inactive. However, the genes are active at the very tip of the X. The SHOX gene's closeness to the tip ensures that it remains active. In males, both X and Y chromosomes are fully active and so is the SHOX gene. This means that the SHOX gene will provide more height to men than women. Researchers say this gene makes up for roughly a quarter of the average height difference between men and women. Eric Schadt, a professor in the department of genetics and genomic science at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told NYT that the study was 'definitely cool'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It is a great use of these biobanks to uncover what is still somewhat of a mystery,' he said. 'Even though the effect is modest, it does explain 20 per cent or so of the height difference.' ALSO READ: A tall tale: Why are Dutch people the tallest on the planet? Other recent studies on human height Another study, published in January, found that men have grown and increased in weight twice as fast as women over the past century, further raising the differences between the two sexes. Being tall is not always a good thing. Representational Image/Pixabay Researchers also previously found that women are more interested in taller men than men are in shorter women. However, being taller is not always a good thing. Taller people are at greater risk of developing certain types of cancer. This could be because these people have more cells that can accumulate mutations, leading to the potentially fatal disease. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why are men usually taller than women? Genes have the answer
Let's call a spade a spade. Usually, men are taller than women. On average, men stand about five inches taller than women. Although it might seem like a universal norm across various species in nature, it's common for females to exceed males in stature – which indicates that this height discrepancy isn't solely dictated by genetics. A study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , has come up with a partial insight into this phenomenon, drawing from genetic data sourced from nearly one million individuals. What does the study say? At the center of this research is a gene known as SHOX (short stature homeobox). It plays a critical role in determining height. Now, this gene resides on both the X chromosome and the Y chromosome. Since females possess two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), the researchers suspected that SHOX might explain differences in male and female height. However, there was a significant challenge to this hypothesis. Can it, though? Given that SHOX is located on both chromosomal types, the researchers expected that it would exhibit differing effects based on its chromosome of origin. But the question remained – does having an additional Y chromosome imply a greater height advantage than having an additional X chromosome? To find an answer to this question, the research team examined rare genetic conditions where individuals may have extra or missing sex chromosomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Biobanks (three of them) came to the rescue for data compilation – one from the UK and two from the US. In total, the researchers identified 1,225 individuals who had either missing or additional X or Y chromosomes. What are the findings? The researchers discovered that certain chromosomal configurations, such as individuals with just one X and no Y, were correlated with health complications and a notable reduction in height. The findings also revealed that individuals possessing an extra Y chromosome exhibited greater height than those with an excess X chromosome, thereby validating their hypothesis. Matthew Oetjens, a genetics researcher at Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Danville, Pennsylvania, and the study's senior author, offered an explanation grounded in biochemistry. He noted that the SHOX gene is located near the end of the sex chromosomes. In females, most of the genes on one of their two X chromosomes are typically silenced, or rendered inactive. However, a specific region at the extreme tip of the X chromosome remains active. The SHOX gene's proximity to this active area ensures it retains some functionality, unlike many of its counterparts that are otherwise silenced. In males, the presence of one fully active X chromosome and one Y chromosome means that both contribute to the overall gene expression. Consequently, males possess a greater overall effect from the SHOX gene. The researchers calculated that this genetic difference accounts for nearly 25 percent of the average disparity in height between men and women. Dr. Oetjens elaborated that other male-specific features, particularly related to sex hormones, play a significant role in height differences as well, alongside additional genetic factors that are yet to be fully understood. Moving forward: This study has been touted as a significant step in discovering the history of evolution. In fact, Eric Schadt, a professor in the department of genetics and genomic science at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, tagged the research as 'definitely cool' and praised the innovative use of biobanks to unravel aspects of a mystery that still puzzles scientists. Despite the modesty of the SHOX gene's effect, he noted that it could explain approximately 20% of the height difference observed between men and women, opening doors for further investigation into the genetic underpinnings of human growth. The Tall Indian: Why you are taller than your grandpa? One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
