Osaka University researchers discovered that germ cells contribute to sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrates.

Osaka University researchers found that germ cells, which develop into eggs and sperm, drive sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrate animals, including humans. In a study on turquoise killifish, female fish, like humans, lived longer than males. However, when researchers removed the germ cells, the lifespans of both sexes became similar. This suggests that germ cells play a role in the gender life expectancy gap.