Articles tagged with Sperm
A team of Bay Area researchers explores factors that differentiate fertile sperm from infertile sperm, identifying crucial proteins known as ion channels critical for sperm fertility. The discovery may lead to the development of new diagnostic testing and treatments for male infertility.
Researchers have developed a new tracking system that takes 3-D movies of living sperm, providing detailed imaging and analyzing motility data. The method helps detect potential infertility-causing anomalies, such as bent tails, and may soon aid in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics in selecting the most viable sperm cells.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that mosquito sperm contain a suite of specialized chemical sensors called odorant receptors, which drive the rapid increase in movement. These findings suggest a new paradigm for regulating insect reproduction and could provide a powerful approach for controlling insect populations.
Scientists discovered a female-specific hormone in blue crab eyestalks that regulates development of reproductive structures for mating and childcare. This hormone is required for maternal care and triggers development of special receptacles to store sperm, as well as hair-like structures to hold fertilized eggs.
Male sperm and seminal fluid trigger pathways that cause female worms to dehydrate, prematurely age and die. The death of the female after she gives birth fits into a general framework of sperm competition observed in nature.
A new method for detecting genetic defects in egg cells could significantly increase the success rate of IVF by identifying chromosomal abnormalities and DNA sequence variations associated with genetic disorders. The approach uses whole-genome sequencing of individual egg cells, offering a safe, accurate, and low-cost solution.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance 2013 video contest recognized top videos showcasing cellular processes. The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize for his time-lapse video of muscle cell differentiation, while two second-place winners shared a $250 cash prize each.
Researchers have found that blocking two proteins on smooth muscle cells can cause complete male infertility without affecting long-term sexual behavior. A potential oral male contraceptive drug could be developed within ten years, offering a safe and reversible alternative to current methods.
Scientists have discovered that mice can pass on learned sensitivity to a specific odor to their offspring via epigenetic alterations in the sperm or eggs. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding psychiatric disorders and developing therapeutic strategies for intergenerational trauma effects.
Researchers have successfully inserted custom genes into mouse sperm, which are then inherited by their offspring and subsequent generations. The study paves the way for a new frontier in genetic medicine, where diseases can be effectively cured and new human attributes may be possible.
Researchers from Bielefeld University and TU Braunschweig found that female fire salamanders can store sperm from multiple males, leading to increased offspring numbers and fitness. Polyandry appears to be a key mechanism for reproductive success in this species, contradicting the long-held assumption of monogamy.
Researchers have developed a method to generate healthy mouse offspring using assisted reproduction and limited Y chromosome genes. The study found that introducing additional Y genes can improve the efficiency of this approach. However, the human Y chromosome is still necessary for normal fertilization and male reproduction.
Scientists at Oxford University have developed a technique using nanoparticles to investigate the mechanisms underlying 'mystery' cases of infertility. The method involves loading porous silica nanoparticle envelopes with compounds to identify or treat causes of infertility, demonstrating no detrimental effects on sperm function.
Scientists have developed a 3D filming technique that helps researchers understand how malaria parasites mate and spread the disease. The unique motion of malaria sperm, moving in an irregular corkscrew motion, has revealed new insights into prevention and control methods.
A team of researchers has created a microfluidic device that sorts sperm cells based on their motility and ability to swim through narrow channels. This approach shows promising results in increasing the concentration of highly motile sperm, which could enhance the success of assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.
Researchers from UMass Amherst and international partners report advances in understanding sperm capacitation, a crucial step in IVF. By bypassing early problems, they may improve IVF success rates and potentially lead to a male contraceptive.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a crucial protein called dBigH1 that regulates zygotic genome activation in the fly Drosophila. This discovery has significant implications for understanding embryonic development and potential connections to infertility, gestational disorders, or early miscarriage.
Researchers at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences have confirmed that diversifying sperm competition is a critical step in the formation of new species. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals how postcopulatory sexual selection drives rapid evolutionary changes in ejaculate and female reproductive tract traits.
New research shows that female birds maximize offspring health by mating with multiple males, increasing disease resistance through 'cryptic female choice'. This internal mechanism favors sperm from genetically different males, boosting MHC diversity and enhancing disease resilience.
University of East Anglia researchers found that female salmon and trout eggs prefer their own species' sperm for fertilization, even when given a simultaneous choice. The preference is driven by the ovarian fluid surrounding the egg, which contains a chemical signal that guides the sperm towards the egg.
A study found that frozen sperm taken directly from testicles is just as effective as fresh sperm in helping couples conceive through IVF. The type of facility where sperm is taken and its distance from the IVF laboratory have no bearing on pregnancy outcomes.
Male guppies develop genital claws to increase sperm transfer during mating, with a study showing clawed males transferred up to three times more sperm than declawed males. This adaptation suggests sexual conflict between the sexes played a role in the diversification of the fish's genitalia.
New research suggests that a father's obesity can lead to obesity and diabetes-like symptoms in his children and grandchildren. The study found molecular signals in the sperm of obese fathers can program embryos for obesity or metabolic disease later in life.
A new study suggests that early life factors such as impaired fetal growth and exposure to maternal smoking may lead to reduced semen parameters in adulthood. The study found that around one in six men had sperm parameters below the normal threshold, with poor fetal growth and smoking exposure associated with lower sperm quality.
Researchers found that inactivating taste genes TAS1R3 and GNAT3 caused male sterility in mice, leading to malformed and fewer sperm. The study suggests that certain compounds, such as fibrates, could be negatively impacting human fertility.
A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.
A new study has found that the directed in vitro technique, ICSI, may increase the risk of insulin resistance among children. The study used metabolomics to assess the risk of developing obesity and metabolic syndrome, finding significant differences in 38 metabolites between ICSI and non-ICSI conceived children.
A Penn Study found that sperm of stressed male mice had an impact on their offspring's brain development and stress response. Male and female offspring showed a reduced stress reaction, which can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that male guppies can continue to reproduce for at least 10 months after they die, with stored sperm surviving inside females. This phenomenon increases population size and genetic variation, allowing populations to survive and thrive in environments where males are scarce.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers found that female Drosophila melanogaster flies actively influence sperm competition, allowing them to choose between different male sperm for fertilization. This discovery has major implications for the study of sexual selection and coevolution in animals.
A new study from USC researchers has found that a genetic mutation in testis stem cells increases the production of sperm carrying the disease trait, making older fathers more likely to pass it along to their children. This mutation gives an edge over normal stem cells, resulting in higher frequencies of new cases every generation.
Female southern bottletail squid consume male ejaculates, using nutrients for egg growth, and target larger females to minimize consumption. This strategic behavior affects males' chances of fertilizing eggs.
Researchers developed a microchip to study the mechanical challenges faced by pollen tubes as they navigate through female flower tissues. The study found that when the grip around the tube was too tight, it triggered the release of sperm cells, which is essential for fertilization and seed set.
Researchers found that fetuin-B plays a crucial role in regulating the hardening of the zona pellucida, ensuring fertilization capacity. The discovery has potential therapeutic implications for infertility treatment.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have identified two sugars that help retain pig sperm in the sow oviduct. By understanding this adhesion system, researchers hope to develop a laboratory test to detect these molecules and potentially improve semen storage.
Researchers have found that secretions from the reproductive tract contribute to both ovulation and sperm function, and that a specific hormone receptor gene controls this process. The study suggests that a similar mechanism may exist in mammals, providing new insights into the mechanisms of ovulation.
A study by Christian Rodriguez-Enriquez and colleagues found that female flies can expel and consume male ejaculate after copulation, potentially biasing paternity. The researchers also discovered that well-fed females were more likely to consume ejaculate, which may have positive health benefits in arid environments.
Professor Diana Chu's NSF-funded research explores how chemical structure of sperm proteins affects DNA packaging and interpretation. Her studies may help understand fertility disorders in humans and other animals, as well as answer broader questions about gene regulation.
A recent study found little support for legal controls on cross-border fertility treatment in the UK. However, health professionals emphasize the importance of checking overseas clinics to ensure they meet UK standards. The research team also notes that many patients have reported receiving better quality care abroad.
Researchers have developed a multi-parameter sorting approach to separate healthy spermatogonial stem cells from cancerous cells, enabling the removal of malignant material during transplantation. This method shows promise for preserving fertility in male childhood cancer survivors.
A new study at Brown University found that the 'selfish' segregation distorter (SD) gene can manipulate meiosis to eliminate defective sperm, while a policing system tries to suppress it. The research deepens understanding of how life can violate fundamental genetic principles.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified the essential role of Rnf212 protein in chromosome crossovers, a process vital for sexual reproduction. The study found that Rnf212 defines where crossovers occur, potentially reducing fertility and leading to chromosomal diseases.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that sedentary TV viewing can nearly halve sperm counts, while moderate to vigorous exercise may boost them. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count, while those who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly had a 73% higher sperm count.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that watching TV for more than 20 hours a week can almost halve sperm count, while exercising 15 or more hours a week can improve it by 73%. Moderate to vigorous exercise also has a positive impact on semen quality.
Researchers have discovered that female hawksbill turtles mate at the beginning of the season and store sperm for up to 75 days, laying multiple nests on beaches. The study also found that these turtles are mainly monogamous, with females pairing up with a single male throughout the breeding season.
Research reveals mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming and how it may affect gene expression, potentially leading to disease susceptibility in offspring. The study found that some methylation marks can escape reprogramming and be passed on to offspring.
A recent study conducted in south-east Spain found a significant decline in sperm quality among young men between 18 and 23 years old. The average concentration of spermatozoids dropped from 72 million/ml to 52 million/ml over the decade, with 40% of participants showing alterations in at least one semen parameter.
Research shows that a third of male cancer patients are missing out on appropriate fertility advice, with many unaware of the potential disposal of their sperm. New education strategies are needed to encourage men to attend follow-up appointments and receive timely information about fertility monitoring.
Researchers found that stem cell protein Ell3 marks enhancers that regulate gene expression, priming them for future activation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer and development.
The human hand's unique shape may have evolved to stabilize the fist and produce a compact club for use in combat, according to a new study. The researchers found that the tightly packed human fist provides internal support to the digits, protecting them from damage during combat.
Research found that injured coral colonies in The Bahamas still produced low numbers of eggs four years after damage, and sperm-producing factories were also scarce. This suggests that damaged corals may divert resources away from reproduction towards growth and injury repair.
A study by Bielefeld biologists found that male bushcrickets determine the timing of sperm transfer, even when they have 'hopped off' after mating. The researchers suggest that females can influence fertilization by consuming a protein-rich mass, but males control the overall process.
Researchers have successfully transplanted stem cells from monkeys into testicular tissue, allowing sperm production to resume and restoring fertility. This breakthrough could provide a new option for male cancer patients who are rendered infertile by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Researchers have discovered that the majority of demethylation occurred earlier than previously thought, revealing key insights into methyl group removal. The study identifies regions of DNA that avoid demethylation, potentially explaining how environmental information can be transferred from parent to offspring.
Researchers found that male toads storing sperm during the breeding season produced sperm with higher motility than those kept under natural conditions without females. Frequent mating also appeared to slow down sperm senescence, a process affecting sperm quality with age.
A French study of over 26,600 men found a significant decline in semen concentration and quality between 1989 and 2005. The researchers reported a 32.2% decrease in semen concentration and a 33.4% decrease in the percentage of normally formed sperm.
A new study from Queen's University Belfast reveals that 80% of couples diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility' have a detectable cause, high sperm DNA damage. This breakthrough will lead to better treatment options, saving time, money, and heartache for affected couples.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that men with more consistently made sperm have better swimming abilities. The research suggests that variability in sperm length may be a sign of trouble with the production process, potentially affecting fertility.
A promising stem-cell-based approach has been successfully demonstrated in non-human primates, where transplanted spermatogonial stem cells produce functional sperm. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy often become infertile due to treatment damage, but preserving and transplanting SSCs may restore fertility.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has successfully restored fertility in male primates who became sterile due to cancer drug side effects. The study involved transplanting spermatogonial stem cells into testes, resulting in functional sperm that fertilized eggs and produced early embryos.