Media

My research has attracted international media attention, sparking conversations about evolution, sex differences in lifespan, and the ecology of invasive species. I’m always excited to translate complex scientific findings into accessible stories for public audiences.

Featured Research Coverage

My research on sex chromosomes and lifespan differences across the tree of life generated significant international interest in 2020. The work explored why the sex with reduced sex chromosomes (like males with XY chromosomes) tends to die earlier than the sex with matched sex chromosomes.

Major Coverage:

CNN Science – “Female mammals live longer than males because of their sexual behaviour” (November 2025)
The Guardian – “Mystery of lifespan gap between sexes may be solved, says researchers” (March 2020)
The Sydney Morning Herald – “X is greater than Y: Chromosomes may explain why women outlive men” (March 2020)
Science – “The secret to a long life? Matching sex chromosomes” (March 2020)
IFLScience – “Why the females of many species live longer than the males” (March 2020)
UNSW Newsroom – “Why men (and other male animals) die younger: it’s all in the Y Chromosome” (March 2020)
BBC Brazil – “Por que mais mortes entre homens por covid-19 ainda é mistério para a Ciência” (November 2020)
The Telegraph, UK – “Why are men suffering from coronavirus more than women?” (April 2020)
Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany – “Why female animals usually live longer” (March 2020)
ABC’s Triple J Hack – “Why men die younger: It’s all about chromosomes (and sexual selection)” (March 2020)

Radio Interviews

I’ve had the pleasure of discussing my research on radio stations across the globe:

Boiling Point Podcast (May 2021)
Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning (April 2020)
ABC’s Drive with Richard Glover (March 2020)
BBC World Service (March 2020)
BBC Radio 4’s World at One (March 2020)
TalkRadio London’s Darryl Morris Show (March 2020)
Eastside FM (March 2020)
Southern Cross Austereo (March 2020)
3AW Melbourne (March 2020)
SBS Greek (March 2020)

Television & Video

Television Appearances:

The Unusual Suspects – Panellist on Channel 7 Network Australia (2 episodes, June 2023)

Featured Videos:

MinuteEarth – “The actual reason men die first” (June 2022) Watch on YouTube
UNSW Centre for Ideas – “What we can learn from weeds” (February 2022)

Media Inquiries

I’m always happy to discuss my research or provide an opinion for journalists and media outlets. My areas of expertise include:

Plant ecology and climate change impacts
Invasive species and biological invasions
Sex differences in lifespan across species

For media inquiries, please contact me at zoe.xirocostas@uts.edu.au