Lack of Female Scientists Means Fewer Medical Treatments for Women

Question 1

Endometriosis

Answer 1

A disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus in places where it doesn’t belong

Question 2

Cervical cancer

Answer 2

A malignant tumor of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus

Question 3

Female research teams

Answer 3

35% more likely than male teams to develop medical treatments that primarily benefit women.

Question 4

Atrial flutter

Answer 4

A condition in which the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly. It is a disease that impacts both sexes.

Question 5

Gender parity

Answer 5

Each gender is represented equally

Question 6

Summary

Answer 6

Women scientists are more likely to develop treatments for women, but many of their ideas never become inventions. The lack of female-driven inventions may well be having a direct impact on health outcomes. Female-led teams also studied diseases that affect both men and women more often than male-led teams do. That means everyone is missing out from the lack of women inventors

Question 7

How could we make progress toward establishing gender parity in science and patents?

Answer 7

• Make it easier for women to file patents
• Provide additional mentoring and support
• Make sure women feel included in startup culture
• Create inclusive events at schools and technology transfer offices