Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Sharon Moalem, Allen Lane, $29.99.
An award-winning physician and scientist makes a game-changing case on the genetic superiority of women. Genetic females are the stronger sex.
Dr Moalem, described as a polymath, was fixated on the question of why women were simply stronger than men at every stage of life. Written before the COVID-19 outbreak, The Better Half expands on the two X chromosomes advantage to explain a whole range of life factors, from women’s increased longevity to their lesser incidence of autism.
An expert in the fields of rare diseases, sex differentiation, neurogenetics, biotechnology, Dr. Moalem describes the possession of double XX chromosomes as “female genetic superiority” that offers a powerful survival advantage. He offers an intriguing theory on how they give women the edge in everything from colour vision to Coronavirus.
From birth, genetic females are better at fighting viruses, infections and cancer. They do better at surviving epidemics and famines, live longer and even see the world in a wider variety of colours. These are the facts: women are simply stronger than men at every stage of life. So, why are we taught the opposite?
Dr Moalem explains why genetic females outperform males when it comes to immunity, resilience, stamina and much more. Ground-breaking, fascinating and wholly credible, The Better Half will make you see women, men and the endurance of our species through a pristine lens.
Do take note: “this book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual”.
