Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments
Published on: May 21, 2019
Mind the Gap: Sex Bias in Basic Skin Research
Betty Y Kong1, Isabel M Haugh1, Bethanee J Schlosser1
1Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Given the recent National Institutes of Health proposal for balanced use of male and female cells and animals in preclinical studies, we explored whether sex bias exists in skin research. We surveyed 802 dermatological research articles from 2012 through 2013. No information about the sex of studied cells or animals was provided in 60% of papers. Among keratinocytes of known sex, 70% were male. Few studies compared male versus female cells or animals. Disclosure of sex and comparative studies contribute to our understanding of the biologic basis of sex differences. Addressing sex-specific differences in preclinical research informs subsequent clinical trial design and promotes individualized therapy.
Related Concept Videos
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Bias
In statistics, a sampling bias is created when a sample is collected from a population, and some members of the population are not as likely to be chosen as others (remember, each member...
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies

