#Gravitas As per reports, the Y chromosome which is a crucial determinant of the male sex is shrinking at an alarming rate. According to studies, over the last 166 million years, the Y chromosome has been gradually losing its genetic material, from 900 genes to just 55 now. If this trend continues unchecked, the Y chromosome could completely disappear. Without an alternative to the Y chromosome, the very survival of men, and by extension, the human species could be at risk.