Governing Behavior

Gender

A Boy Raised as a Girl Killed Himself 19 Years Ago Today

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on May 5, 2023

David Reimer killed himself 19 years ago today. He was raised as a girl, after a botched circumcision. His story shows that upbringing is insufficient to impose gender identity.

David Reimer killed himself 19 years ago today. He was raised as a girl, after a botched circumcision. His story shows that upbringing is insufficient to impose gender identity.

Sex

Sliding Scales of Biological Sex Characteristics

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on January 3, 2023

Many say we are either female or male. Others suggest a spectrum of sex and gender. But multiple, independent sliding scales describe us better.

Many say we are either female or male. Others suggest a spectrum of sex and gender. But multiple, independent sliding scales describe us better.

Anger

Don’t Blame the Testes for All Aggression

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on August 3, 2022

Is testosterone from the testes really responsible for aggression?

Is testosterone from the testes really responsible for aggression?

Sex

Brains Are Not Binary

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on April 15, 2022

Both human and animal biological sex characteristics refuse to be forced into two categories, male and female. But what about brains?

Both human and animal biological sex characteristics refuse to be forced into two categories, male and female. But what about brains?

Sex

Animal Biology Is Not Binary

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on April 4, 2022

Some nonhuman animals are intersex, while others are both sexes at once or change their sex as needed.

Some nonhuman animals are intersex, while others are both sexes at once or change their sex as needed.

Sex

Human Biology Is Not Binary

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on March 25, 2022

It is often said that, biologically, each of us is either male or female. But biologists know this view is incorrect.

It is often said that, biologically, each of us is either male or female. But biologists know this view is incorrect.

Sex

Going Under the Knife for Masculinity or Femininity

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on July 17, 2020

The desire to make our bodies look more masculine or feminine has led to an increase in cosmetic surgeries of the genitals and breasts.

The desire to make our bodies look more masculine or feminine has led to an increase in cosmetic surgeries of the genitals and breasts.

Sport and Competition

Muscles and Masculinity

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on July 11, 2020

Bodybuilding competitions show how the goal of extreme muscularity is associated with hypermasculinity. This may be unhealthy both physically and psychologically.

Bodybuilding competitions show how the goal of extreme muscularity is associated with hypermasculinity. This may be unhealthy both physically and psychologically.

Almost all adults grow body hair due to androgens. But for centuries, women have removed body hair in the name of femininity, often at great cost.

Sex

Our Biology Is Not Binary

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on June 19, 2020

Many people have intersex anatomy—not simply female or male. But how does this happen and why have intersex people been hidden and subjected to harmful surgeries?

Many people have intersex anatomy—not simply female or male. But how does this happen and why have intersex people been hidden and subjected to harmful surgeries?

Neuroscience

Spying on Your Brain to Move Your Hand

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on June 1, 2016

Brain-machine interfaces bypass spinal cord injuries so patients can use their thoughts to directly control their muscles or a prosthetic hand.

Brain-machine interfaces bypass spinal cord injuries so patients can use their thoughts to directly control their muscles or a prosthetic hand.

Neuroscience

How Steph Curry is Like a Bat

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on April 14, 2016

The best point guards can pass to a teammate they can't see. Bats can track both other bats and insects, using specialized brain circuits.

The best point guards can pass to a teammate they can't see. Bats can track both other bats and insects, using specialized brain circuits.

Cognition

Covert Electronic Surveillance

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on March 9, 2016

We know from Edward Snowden that the NSA does extensive covert electronic surveillance. So do some fish.

We know from Edward Snowden that the NSA does extensive covert electronic surveillance. So do some fish.

Neuroscience

Elections in the Brain

Ari Berkowitz Ph.D. on February 26, 2016

We are currently awash in polling, voting, and caucusing. Brains, like countries, need to make decisions. Nerve cells choose behaviors through processes akin to elections.

We are currently awash in polling, voting, and caucusing. Brains, like countries, need to make decisions. Nerve cells choose behaviors through processes akin to elections.