Articles tagged with Sperm
A new study maps the changing RNA modification landscape of sperm during development and shows that type II diabetes can disrupt this molecular program. The findings suggest that paternal metabolic disease can impact male fertility and potentially offspring health.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
Researchers developed PANDORA-seq to detect sncRNAs in human sperm, revealing strong correlations between specific molecular species and clinical indicators of sperm quality. The study established novel molecular frameworks for diagnosing male infertility.
A new study reveals that metabolic dysfunction in offspring is caused by excess microRNA in sperm from obese fathers. After weight loss, these molecular marks disappear, and offspring develop normally. Research suggests that interventions promoting health and longevity may trigger an increase in this enzyme expression.
A recent study by University of California - Davis researchers has identified a protein called DAXX that guides the packing and folding of DNA in sperm cells. This discovery could improve treatments for couples struggling with male infertility, as well as help understand how environmental factors impact offspring health.
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.
Researchers observed female baboons' vaginal tract altering sperm survival based on male genetic makeup, with strongest responses to genetically similar males. The study suggests post-copulatory mate selection via vaginal immune responses and pH in the baboon species.
A study led by Oxford University researchers reveals that sperm stored for extended periods deteriorates quickly, regardless of male age. Regular ejaculation has been shown to improve sperm quality in humans and animals alike.
Researchers found a progressive shift in RNA contents of sperm with age, potentially contributing to health risks of having kids later in life. The discovery may lead to improved fertility outcomes and diagnostic tools.
Research finds age-related DNA methylation alterations in sperm may contribute to autism risk in offspring. Advanced paternal age is associated with specific changes in sperm DNA, influencing early development in children.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
Researchers have discovered a key protein structure in the germ cells of male mice that causes deformations in sperm flagellum leading to infertility. The study used ultrastructure expansion microscopy to visualize the centriole, a tiny cylindrical structure critical for sperm movement.
A study published in Science Advances has discovered that the RAD21L protein plays a crucial role in regulating DNA structure and gene expression in sperm precursor cells. The absence of this protein leads to defects in chromosome pairing, genetic recombination, and spermatogenesis, resulting in male infertility.
A recent study led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that genetic changes creating identical sperm cells are more widespread than thought and linked to single-gene diseases. The team identified genes underlying these mutations, which can be passed onto offspring, leading to devastating disorders.
Researchers from the University of Osaka have identified a crucial protein, TMEM217, that regulates sperm movement. By restoring the signal, they successfully treated immotile sperm and enabled them to fertilize eggs in vitro, leading to healthy births.
Michigan State University scientists have pinpointed the molecular 'switch' that supercharges sperm for their final sprint to an egg. The discovery could reshape infertility treatments and pave the way for a new generation of male contraceptives.
A recent study published in Oncoscience found that lifestyle choices and hormonal imbalances significantly impact male fertility in Indian men. The research discovered a strong association between poor habits such as tobacco and alcohol use, heat exposure, and body weight with lower semen quality and higher DNA damage.
Researchers have discovered that certain harmful DNA variations become more common in sperm as men age, raising genetic disease risk for offspring. The study found that around 2-5% of sperm from middle-aged and older men carried disease-causing mutations, with a significant increase in the risk of passing on these mutations to children.
Researchers from The University of Osaka identify CFAP91 and EFCAB5 as crucial proteins for sperm motility. Loss of function in either protein reduces male fertility in mice. Understanding these proteins' functions may help diagnose infertility and develop new treatments.
Research with rats found that maternal diet lacking protein during pregnancy and lactation can compromise reproductive health of male offspring. Changes in epididymis structure and function lead to impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration.
A human study found that ultra-processed diets lead to increased weight gain, disrupt hormone levels, and introduce pollutants affecting sperm quality. Men on an ultra-processed diet gained more fat mass and had lower testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared to those on a minimally processed diet.
A case highlights the need for European regulation to prevent the birth of children with inherited cancer-causing genetic mutations from the same donor. Currently, laws on sperm donation vary across countries, and a lack of harmonised regulation poses risks.
Research shows that low phosphate levels in blood are associated with reduced sperm motility and poor semen quality. The findings suggest a potential link between phosphate and male fertility, highlighting the importance of understanding biological factors involved in reproductive health.
Research reveals a temperature-controlled switch in sperm that triggers hyperactive movements needed for fertilization. Understanding this mechanism could lead to improved male contraception and treatments for infertility.
A fully automated ICSI system has successfully conceived the world's first baby, promising to transform fertility treatment with greater standardization and consistency. The system, developed by Conceivable Life Sciences, uses AI to position sperm cells and execute microinjection with unprecedented accuracy.
This study reveals NAT10 is crucial for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation. In Nat10-deficient mice, infertility occurs with reduced testicular sizes, germ cell depletion, and a loss of spermatogonial homeostasis.
Researchers at ISTA have discovered a new DNA marker, N4-methylcytosine (4mC), crucial for sperm function and fertility in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The team found that high levels of 4mC are necessary for agile sperm development, affecting swimming speed, direction, and fertilization success.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that X-carrying and Y-carrying sperm compete for binding to Spindlins, influencing gene expression and the sex ratio. The findings suggest that this competition is crucial for maintaining the optimal balance of female and male offspring in mice.
Researchers at UTA uncovered how the flowerpot snake repairs its DNA and prevents harmful mutations, shedding light on genetic repair mechanisms that could deepen our understanding of human gene evolution. The study also reveals surprising findings about reproductive strategies and immune-related genes in reptiles.
Researchers developed a new IVF method that uses glycans to bind and store sperm, increasing fertilization rates and prolonging sperm viability. The method aims to improve IVF success for both animals and humans, particularly in cases where timing mismatches between egg maturity and sperm viability are critical.
A genetic mutation in mice reveals the crucial role of intercellular bridges in meiosis, a specialized cell division process that creates sperm. The study's findings may lead to new treatments and male contraceptives for infertility.
A large study of nearly 80,000 men found that those with better semen quality lived two to three years longer than those with poorer semen quality. The research suggests that poor semen quality may be an indicator of underlying health issues, and could potentially detect early signs of disease.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein complex crucial for male fertility, revealing the TEX38/ZDHHC19 interaction regulates sperm development and structure. The study found that disrupting this complex can cause sperm deformity and infertility, providing insight into the causes of male infertility.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells, a major breakthrough for veterinary regenerative medicine. The high-quality stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and be transplanted to restore internal damage.
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
A study published in iScience reveals that bacterial species are transferred between both individuals during sexual intercourse, and these species can be traced to a partner's unique genital microbiome. This discovery may provide a new tool for identifying perpetrators of sexual assault.
A research team at the Francis Crick Institute has identified critical genes on the Y chromosome that play a role in male fertility in mice. The study found that multiple Y genes work together to regulate sperm production and motility, with some genes having a cumulative effect when removed individually.
UCSF researchers found that when brain cells of female mice express only a maternal X chromosome, their memory and cognitive skills deteriorate faster. This study could explain the variation in brain aging between the sexes and individual women.
A recent study led by University of Oxford researchers found that old male fruit flies' reproductive success declines due to seminal fluid limitation, not sperm quantity. Supplementation with young males' seminal fluid rescued aged males' fertility, highlighting the importance of seminal fluid quality in animal fertility.
A deficiency of TLE6 protein, associated with female infertility, was also linked to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility in male mice. The study suggests that TLE6 plays a crucial role in energy production in sperm cells.
A new Australian study found that IVF pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines during the first trimester, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation.
A recent study found that childhood maltreatment is associated with specific epigenetic patterns in sperm, which may mediate effects on offspring brain development. The study also reveals changes in sperm DNA methylation and small non-coding RNA molecules in men with high levels of maltreatment.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University experts found that male medaka can mate up to 19 times a day, releasing more than 50% of their daily sperm output in the first three matings. The fertilization rate decreases significantly after this point, with some cases showing no fertilization.
Researchers highlight the risks of bypassing natural selection in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which can lead to deleterious epigenetic changes and increased health problems. They propose applying evolutionary principles to ART protocols to improve outcomes for human ART and animal production.
A new study in Addiction Biology suggests that cannabis use can cause chromosomal damage, leading to increased cancer risk and birth defects. This genotoxicity may be transmitted to offspring via damaged sperm or eggs.
Researchers at UC Davis studied the Drosophila uterus and found over 20 cell types, revealing previously invisible anatomy. The study also identified seminal fluid proteins expressed in both male and female flies, which may support viable sperm for long periods.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study sheds light on why paternal mitochondrial DNA is eliminated during development. The research found that delaying this process can lead to lasting neurological and behavioral problems in adults. Treatments such as Vitamin K2 may offer new hope for preventing or treating these disorders.
A $3.082M NIH grant will fund research at Wayne State University to investigate the impact of environmental factors on male fertility. The study aims to identify novel biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relation to metabolic exposures and reproductive success, with a focus on phthalate exposure.
A groundbreaking study finds that stress-induced changes in sperm motility occur after a stressful event, not during it, and improves sperm performance. Researchers observed changes in extracellular vesicles that play a role in sperm development and maturation.
A new study published in the journal JCI Insight found that male mice fed high-cholesterol diets have increased cardiovascular disease risk in their female offspring. The researchers used a novel method to study sperm small RNA and discovered altered molecules that affect gene expression in early embryonic stem cells.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that a protein sensitive to electrical signals plays a key role in promoting proper sperm development and maturation. The study's findings suggest that the protein, known as VSP, converts electrical signals into chemical signals necessary for sperm maturation.
A study found that men infected with high-risk types of HPV could experience sperm death from oxidative stress, leading to impaired fertility. The researchers also discovered a weakened local immune response in the urogenital tract, which may contribute to these effects.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong announce an advanced sperm selection system that signals a breakthrough in assisted reproduction. The system, called BLASTO-chip, uses microfluidic droplet technology to select live sperm from immotile samples with over 90% accuracy.
Researchers developed an AI prediction model that can identify male infertility risk without semen analysis, using hormone levels in a blood test. The model achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 74% and was particularly accurate in predicting non-obstructive azoospermia, the most severe form of male infertility.
Researchers at U of T mapped the spatial distribution of long non-coding RNAs in testes, finding higher levels than previously estimated. The study suggests lncRNAs play a more significant role in male reproduction and may influence sperm development and behavior.
A UC Riverside-led research team found that obesity causes chronic changes in the brain, leading to reduced connections between neurons and lower testosterone levels. The study suggests that the primary site of obesity's effects on reproductive function is the brain, rather than the testes or pituitary gland.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered the hepatitis E virus is associated with sperm in pigs, suggesting a possible link to male infertility and sexual transmission. The virus was found to circulate in blood and shed in feces, with viral particles present on the head of sperm cells that can infect human liver cells.
A study of almost 400,000 live births found that paternal use of metformin monotherapy was not significantly associated with major congenital malformations. However, researchers noted that fathers prescribed metformin had higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, which could affect reproductive health.
Research at Helmholtz Munich found that a father's body weight can affect the weight of their child and increase susceptibility to metabolic diseases. The study suggests that paternal diet influences gene expression in early embryos, affecting the development and health of offspring.