The Better Half cover art

The Better Half

On the Genetic Superiority of Women

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The Better Half

By: Sharon Moalem
Narrated by: Sharon Moalem
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About this listen

An award-winning physician and scientist makes the game-changing case that genetic females are stronger than males at every stage of life

'A powerful antidote to the myth of a "weaker sex"' Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain

From birth, genetic females are better at fighting viruses, infections and cancer. They do better at surviving epidemics and famines. They live longer, and even see the world in a wider variety of colours. These are the facts; they are simply stronger than men at every stage of life. Why? And why are we taught the opposite?

Drawing on his wide-ranging experience and cutting-edge research as a medic, geneticist and specialist in rare diseases, Dr Sharon Moalem reveals how the answer lies in our genetics: the female's double XX chromosomes offer a powerful survival advantage. And he calls for a long-overdue reconsideration of our one-size-fits-all view of the body and medicine - a view that still frames women through the lens of men. Revolutionary, captivating and utterly persuasive, The Better Half will make you see women, men and the survival of our species anew.

'Brilliant, original and groundbreaking, highly readable and genuinely useful' Daily Mail

 Biological Sciences Biology Evolution & Genetics Genetics Science Genetic Disease Survival Medicine Mental Health Health

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Critic reviews

Let's hear it for the X-chromosome! After decades, if not centuries, of bad press for women and their vulnerable biology, The Better Half gives chapter and verse to show that 'almost everything that is biologically difficult to do in life is done better by females'. An eye- and mind-opening celebration of the reserve genetic horsepower that having two X-chromosomes can bestow, The Better Half is a powerful antidote to the myth of a 'weaker sex'.
Moalem's essential thesis is valid and important, and deserves attention both within the scientific community and beyond. This is a readable and lively book, making an argument long overdue
Although Dr. Moalem had me at the subtitle, I tore through this fascinating, eye-opening book in one sitting. Provocative, crackling with wit and insight, THE BETTER HALF argues that science has shortchanged women in all levels of research and convincingly reveals that the true differences between men and women come down to longevity, intellect, resilience, and immunity to disease. Now it all makes sense why 95 percent of people who have reached the age of 110 are women. (Jancee Dunn)
A mind-opening celebration of women (Kate Garraway, broadcaster and journalist)
All stars
Most relevant
I finished this book in a few days and was completely engrossed from the first page. It's a fascinating journey and the author is great at explaining the sometimes complex world of genetics.

absolutely fascinating

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As a biomedical researcher it definitely got me thinking about how to proceed with my pre-clinical testing. Thank you

Food for thought

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Well written for non-scientists to understand the science, well read and extremely interesting. Should be required reading in all health classes and DEFINITELY in all medical school curriculums.

Such a useful and insightful book

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