Science at UM [S05-ep08]: When Sports Influence the Sex of Babies
This week on "Science at UM," François Favier, a researcher at the Euromov, tells us how competing at a high level in sports can influence the likelihood of athletes having a boy or a girl. The report also takes us to Euromov, where Stéphane Perrey introduces us to the flying carpet. A program broadcast every Wednesday on Divergence.
Does participating in high-level sports affect the baby's gender?
Zidane: 4 sons;
Laure Manaudou: 1 daughter, 2 sons;
Gaël Monfils: 1 daughter;
Clarisse Agbegnenou: 1 daughter;
Tony Parker: 2 sons;
Elodie Clouvel: 1 daughter;
Michael Phelps: 4 boys;
Marie-Josée Perec: 1 son;
Tiger Woods: 1 boy, 1 girl;
In his latest post, our guest pointed out that the sport practiced by elite athletes could influence the likelihood of having a boy or a girl.
So if you still thought that only the sperm determined the sex of the fetus, stick around—you’re going to learn a lot.
François Favier is a researcher at Euromov; he published an article in *Scientific Reports* titled: “Effects of Sports Disciplines on the Sex Ratio of Children of Elite Athletes: An Observational Study.”
See also:
The article states that , depending on the sport they play, athletes may not have the same likelihood of giving birth to a girl or a boy
In the second half of the program, we’re rebroadcasting a report filmed at Euromov. Located on the UFR Staps campus, this laboratory studies the identification of motor signatures of health—in other words, how physiological, neuromuscular, and sensorimotor markers, among others, form a true behavioral map. On the I-Mose simulation platform, Stéphane Perrey, Professor Director of Euromov, introduces us to the flying carpet.
At UM Science, you’ve got the program—let’s get started!
Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Lucie Lecherbonnier / Aline Périault
Director: Bruno Bertrand
Tune in to the show “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9
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