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Why do women outlive men

Evolutionary biologist Dr Yan Wong asks whether men are at a biological disadvantage when it comes to life expectancy

Baby girls born today in the UK can expect to live to 82 years old, whereas boys on average will die 4 years earlier.

Evolutionary biologist Dr Yan Wong looks at the latest evidence suggesting that where ageing is concerned, men seem to be at a genetic disadvantage. From research on ancient Korean eunuchs to laboratory fruit flies, new studies seek the answer to why males across the animal kingdom live faster and die younger.

So, is the gender gap here to stay?

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18 minutes

Last on

Sun 30 Dec 2012 06:32GMT

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  • Christmas Eve 2012 19:32GMT
  • Christmas Day 2012 00:32GMT
  • Christmas Day 2012 04:32GMT
  • Christmas Day 2012 11:32GMT
  • Sun 30 Dec 2012 01:32GMT
  • Sun 30 Dec 2012 06:32GMT

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