TED Talk by Karissa Sanbonmatsu Explains the Biology of Gender

NMC Affiliate Karissa Sanbonmatsu Explores the Science of Gender in TED Talk

Karissa Sanbonmatsu, a Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist and New Mexico Consortium affiliate, recently shared her research and insights on one of society’s most complex and widely discussed topics in a TED Talk titled “The Biology of Gender, from DNA to the Brain.”

In her thought-provoking presentation, Sanbonmatsu explores the biological factors that contribute to gender and challenges the common assumption that gender is determined solely by chromosomes. Drawing on emerging research from the field of epigenetics, she explains how the expression of genes can be influenced by a variety of environmental and social factors throughout a person’s life.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Research in this field has revealed that life experiences—including factors such as stress, trauma, nutrition, and other environmental influences—can affect how genes are turned on and off. These changes can have lasting effects on biology, development, and health.

During her TED Talk, Sanbonmatsu discusses how these discoveries are reshaping scientists’ understanding of human biology and gender. She highlights evidence showing that biological development is influenced by a complex interaction between genetics, hormones, the environment, and life experiences. This growing body of research suggests that gender is far more nuanced than previously understood and cannot be explained by chromosomes alone.

By combining cutting-edge science with an accessible and engaging presentation style, Sanbonmatsu helps audiences better understand how advances in genetics and neuroscience are expanding our knowledge of human identity and development. Her work encourages thoughtful discussion about the relationship between biology, environment, and the diversity of human experiences.

As a leader in the fields of computational biology and genomics, Sanbonmatsu continues to contribute to important scientific conversations that bridge research and society. Her TED Talk provides a compelling look at how new discoveries in epigenetics are helping scientists better understand the connections between DNA, the brain, and gender.

View this outstanding TED talk: The Biology of Gender, from DNA to the Brain