New research highlights sex-specific biological responses in neurological and physiological contexts. Studies reveal that microglial cells—the brain’s immune cells—exhibit sex-dependent stress responses influenced by chronic alcohol exposure. Additionally, sex differences were noted in metabolic and psychological disturbances among obstructive sleep apnea patients, and in brainstem connectivity variations influenced by menopausal status. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in disease mechanisms and treatment design.