Why sex really matters | David Page | TEDxBeaconStreet

David Page, Director of the Whitehead Institute and professor of biology at MIT, has shaped modern genomics and mapped the Y chromosome. And he’s here to say, “Human genome, we have a problem.” Page contends that medical research is overlooking a fundamental fact with the assumption that male and female cells are equal and interchangeable in the lab, most notably because conventional wisdom holds that the X and Y chromosomes are relevant only within the reproductive tract. But if the sexes are equal, why are women more likely than men to develop certain diseases, and vice versa? This compelling talk from TEDxBeaconStreet foretells how changing the way we understand the sexes could transform health care.

The Director of Whitehead Institute and MacArthur genius grant winner David Page is a pioneer in genetics, and his renowned studies of the sex chromosomes have shaped modern understandings of reproductive health, fertility and sex disorders.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)