gender differences

Boys still lag behind in reading

When boys start school, they recognise fewer letters and their corresponding sounds than girls do. The difference is just as great at the end of the school year.

Show your fingers to a neuroscientist

By comparing your index and ring fingers, a neuroscientist can tell if you are likely to be anxious, or if you are likely to be a good athlete.

Men have the best sense of direction

But when women got a drop of testosterone under the tongue, several of them were able to orient themselves better in the four cardinal directions.

Poling to victory

Female cross-country skiers who want to excel would do well to be inspired by Marit Bjørgen’s muscular upper body. Poling power appears to be a decisive factor in distinguishing the best cross-country skiers in the world from the rest.