How does biological sex affect health? - A Question of Science with Brian Cox

Our biological sex affects every cell in our body, so how does it influence our health - from embryo development through to the risk of disease and diagnosis? How and why do some conditions affect females and males differently? And what can we do to ensure medicine is safe and effective for everyone, after decades of male biology bias? Across autoimmune disorders, cancer, dementia, heart disease and even responses to everyday medications, sex based biological differences can shape who becomes ill, how symptoms appear and what treatments work. 0:00 Introduction to sex bias 2:14 Biological foundations 6:41 Systemic research neglect 11:19 Longevity and immunity 14:43 Autoimmune disease gap 15:41 Transgender health data 17:04 Data and regulation 21:13 Pain perception differences 23:24 Combating systemic bias 28:25 Heart disease misdiagnosis 31:10 Drug safety and trials 38:20 AI in medical research Join our expert panel as they explore sex differences in biology, hormones and gene regulation *Panel:* Prof Edith Heard, CEO of the Francis Crick Institute Natasha Karp, Biostatistician at Astra Zeneca Prof Petter Brodin, Garfield Weston chair of Neonatology and Professor of Paediatric Immunology, Imperial College, London Caroline Criado Perez, Author of Invisible Women *A Question of Science* A Question of Science is a groundbreaking series of panel discussions where experts from different fields respond to your questions, sharing the scientific perspective on society’s most pressing questions. A Question of Science is BBC Studios production for the Francis Crick Institute. *The Francis Crick Institute* The Francis Crick Institute is one of the biggest research institutes in Europe. We’re an independent lab and registered charity, and home to more than 1,500 scientists working to understand health, disease and how life works. *© BBC Studios / Francis Crick Institute 2026*