Classifying Biological Variables

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Scientists who work with materials such as cell lines, roundworms, zebrafish, and mice are grappling with the question of how to consider sex as a biological variable in laboratory models. This project aims to improve rigor, reproducibility, and precision in the study of biological sex in laboratory models and to promote constructive dialogue across biological fields and other related disciplines. This project investigates the conceptual foundations of research paradigms for the study of biological sex in basic, preclinical, nonhuman biological research. The project uses a case study approach to analyze four research programs across the fields of drug metabolism, endocrinology, behavioral science, and genetics, and examines a range of models from gene expression assays to in vitro organ cultures to animal models. Through these case studies, the project will analyze scientific practices surrounding questions of how to study biological variables. Through the in-depth case studies, interviews, and conceptual analysis, the team will study laboratory research practices across a range of scientific fields. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.