Articles tagged with Sperm
Researchers have found a proton channel in sperm cells that allows them to rid themselves of excess protons when resting, enabling their movement in the female reproductive tract. This finding may lead to new ways of controlling male fertility and potentially even male contraception.
Researchers have identified a molecular regulator Hv1 that controls human sperm ability to fertilize eggs. Hv1 operates as a pore in the outer membrane of sperm cells, increasing internal pH levels. The findings provide new insights into male infertility treatment and marijuana's effect on sperm motility.
A new study published in the Journal of Heredity confirms that shark pups born to virgin mothers can survive for over five years. Genetic analysis by researchers at Stony Brook University and Queen's University found that some female sharks can produce viable offspring without male sperm, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis.
Researchers found that mouse sperm from promiscuous species can discriminate between closely related and unrelated sperm, clustering together to swim faster. This cooperative behavior is driven by competition among males and may be widespread among 95% of mammals.
University of Florida urologists have developed a robot-assisted vasectomy reversal procedure that cuts average surgery time by 20 minutes, comparable to traditional microscope methods. The robotic procedure also shows quicker return of sperm count and improved efficiency.
A protein complex called elongator may play a significant role in erasing epigenetic instructions on sperm DNA, enabling the formation of new embryos. This discovery could have implications for stem cell research and cancer treatment.
Scientists have discovered a potential new way to combat malaria by disrupting the reproductive process of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Removing or interfering with the 'mating plug' prevents successful reproduction and fertilization.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a cellular mechanism that enables cells to transform their state, which could lead to new insights into diseases. The study found that a regulatory protein removes a lid from genes, allowing the cell to change its identity.
A recent study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that sperm from men with non-obstructive azoospermia are equally capable of producing embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study also showed that there were no significant differences in implantation rates or clinical pregnancy rates betwee...
Researchers found female mice created from two mothers but no father lived significantly longer than normal mice, living up to a third longer on average. The findings suggest that sperm genes may have a detrimental effect on lifespan in mammals.
Researchers have found a way to control male fertility using testicular hormone levels, offering hope for those with low sperm counts. The discovery provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for male infertility and potentially new male contraceptives.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is offering a unique option to prepubertal boys with cancer: testicular tissue biopsy and freezing. Parents are receptive to the procedure, despite its experimental nature. Success in animal models has scientists hopeful for human results.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully turned human embryonic stem cells into precursors for sperm and eggs in the laboratory. This breakthrough could help unlock the mysteries of infertility, particularly in cases where an inability to produce eggs or sperm is the cause.
Researchers found that sperm can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells by attaching to their surface and using specific molecules. This discovery suggests that sperm may be a key factor in spreading the virus during sexual intercourse.
Researchers discovered a connection between rare testicular tumors and severe childhood genetic disorders, suggesting that older fathers' genetic mutations may increase the risk of affected children. The study highlights the role of 'selfish' mutations in sperm production, which can lead to serious conditions in offspring.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a new protein, Brdt, that directs tight re-packaging of sperm DNA, enabling the development of more streamlined sperm. This discovery sheds light on potential problems in sperm development and human male infertility.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a gene involved in sperm production that may contribute to male infertility. The study found that mice lacking the MEIG1 protein were sterile due to impaired spermiogenesis, a process crucial for sperm development.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that men's bodies have become 'reproductive antagonists', producing aggressive sperm to compete with women's bodies, which defend against them. This evolutionary arms race may be contributing to high rates of unexplained infertility.
Researchers found female crickets store more sperm from unrelated males and choose the best father for their offspring. This study challenges common behaviors among insect species and sheds light on the complex mating strategies in the insect world.
A recent study found that an abnormal Y chromosome structure called an isodicentric Y (idicY) can lead to spermatogenic failure in males. The researchers also discovered a correlation between the size of the idicY chromosome and the likelihood of sex reversal, potentially linking it to Turner syndrome.
Scientists identify key molecular players responsible for reversion of adult cells into a primordial, stem cell state. By reducing activity of Jak and STAT proteins, researchers found fewer cells to revert back to stem cells, with only 60% regaining their stem cell population.
Researchers found a distinct 'DNA signature' in human sperm, which recognizes an egg's species-specific DNA, enabling fertilization. This discovery explains male infertility and pregnancy failures.
Scientists at University of Illinois successfully convert spermatogonial stem cells into prostate, skin and uterus epithelium using mesenchyme interaction. The approach may provide an alternative to embryonic stem cell use.
The sea lamprey's genome is extensively reorganized during development, with growing embryos discarding millions of units of DNA. This process reveals a dynamic and flexible genome that challenges traditional views on vertebrate genome stability.
Researchers at Newcastle University have successfully created human sperm from embryonic stem cells, allowing them to study the causes of infertility and potentially develop new treatments. The technique uses germline stem cells developed from male embryos, which are then prompted to mature into fully functional sperm.
A team of bioethicists is urging the public to engage in open discussions about the research and reproductive use of stem cell-derived gametes. The authors recommend guidelines for the development of these cells, including specific consent requirements and oversight rules.
An Australian study found that daily sex for seven days reduces sperm DNA damage and improves fertility in men with high DNA fragmentation. Men who ejaculated daily showed a significant decrease in DNA damage and an increase in good-quality sperm.
Research suggests that triathletes who undertake high levels of cycling training have worse sperm morphology and quality. The study found a statistically adverse correlation between sperm morphology and the volume of cycling training undertaken per week.
A study found that the Gpx5 protein helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress, which is associated with fertility issues and miscarriages. In contrast, high levels of IL-21 are linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab.
Researchers identified Gpx5 as a protective protein for immature sperm in the epididymis, reducing oxidative stress and associated with improved fertility outcomes. In contrast, males lacking Gpx5 showed increased miscarriage rates and fetal developmental defects.
Scientists have uncovered fossil evidence for reproduction using giant sperm in ostracods dating back to 100 million years ago. The discovery reveals an evolutionarily successful reproduction strategy that comes at a high price, investing energy in producing and carrying enormous sperm.
A new study from the University of Utah Health discovers that sperm delivers more complex genetic material than previously thought, which may promote healthy baby development. The research also raises concerns about how a man's aging, health, and lifestyle affect fertility and embryo development.
New research challenges standard assumptions about the timing of mobile DNA insertions in humans. Jumping gene insertions are found to occur during embryogenesis after fertilization, rather than in eggs and sperm cells. This discovery has implications for understanding genetic diseases, cancer, and the development of new genes.
A new study by researchers at the University of Murcia found that men who consume more fruits and vegetables have better semen quality. The study, which analyzed data from 61 men, showed that higher antioxidant intake is associated with improved sperm concentration parameters.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography describe a direct comparison between sperm whale clicking sounds and its physical features, including size and internal organ structure. The study provides a glimpse into a possible new approach for investigating the biology behind marine mammal sounds.
A new study reveals that mother birds provide an early advantage to extra-pair offspring, giving them a size and survival advantage over their half-siblings. This non-genetic effect is attributed to the laying order of eggs, with extra-pair chicks hatching earlier than within-pair chicks.
A new article published in Elsevier's journal Bioscience Hypotheses proposes that the chemicals generated by our brain during different moods can impact 'germ cells,' altering gene expression and affecting child development. This could have a lasting impact on a child's emotional state, including their happiness.
By modifying male and female genitalia, researchers induced changes in female reproduction, including reduced ovulation and increased mating attempts. Cryptic female choice was found to play a crucial role in shaping genital structure and evolutionary adaptations.
Researchers have discovered that small RNAs on the X chromosome play a crucial role in male fertility, escaping silencing effects and influencing sperm formation. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding and potentially treating male infertility and developing non-hormonal contraceptives.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have extracted stem/progenitor cells from human testes and converted them back into pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells. These cells can morph into any cell type, offering a potential cure for diseases such as brain neurons or pancreatic tissue.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified a critical role for the DUO1 gene in plant sperm cell production and fertilization. The study reveals that DUO1 regulates the division and specialization of sperm precursor cells, making it a key regulator in the double fertilization process.
Scientists at the University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre have cloned human sperm-binding protein BSP, which may improve fertility treatments and male contraception. The researchers successfully purified the protein after decades of trying to isolate it from human sources.
Penn Vet researchers identified colony stimulating factor 1 (Csf1) as a growth factor that enhances sperm stem cell self-renewal. The study reveals that Leydig cells secrete Csf1, which interacts with the microenvironment to support stem cell function.
Male mice with PICK1 deficiency display low sperm count and abnormal acrosomes, a crucial component for fertilization. The study sheds light on the human disorder globozoospermia by identifying the essential role of PICK1 in acrosome formation.
Marvin Meistrich's research focuses on the molecular details of normal sperm development and the connection between cancer therapies and sterility. He aims to find ways to restore fertility in thousands of young men and boys who receive treatment that might leave them sterile.
In plant pollen grains, companion cells provide sperm with instructions that protect DNA from damage and set up gene expression patterns. Small RNAs generated in these cells enter neighboring sperm nuclei and inactivate harmful DNA sequences via RNA interference.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência discover mechanism to silence transposable elements in sperm cells, preventing harmful mutations. The technique, developed by Jörg Becker's team, uses small interfering RNA to target and silence these DNA elements.
Scientists have successfully reprogrammed human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into the cells that eventually become eggs and sperm. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for infertility using patient-specific cells. However, further research is needed to determine if iPS-derived germ cells can correctly regulate themselves.
A study by Ralph Brinster found that males housed with females had a six-month delay in fertility decline, compared to those without companionship. This could have significant implications for male fertility in wildlife and human populations.
Living with a female mouse extends male reproductive life span by 20%, increasing fertility to 32 months. The effect is due to delays in sperm production and may be influenced by endocrine and nervous systems.
A recent study found that long-term exposure to marijuana can negatively affect human male fertility by increasing anandamide levels. Additionally, two papers investigate the effects of delayed fatherhood in mice, revealing abnormalities in offspring's behavior and reproductive fitness.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found that females' promiscuity leads to males producing faster and larger sperms. The competition among sperms influences various characteristics, including size and speed.
Scientists have developed a method to test sperm quality before IVF treatment, increasing conception chances. The new process uses Raman spectroscopy to identify DNA damage in sperm, providing a non-destructive 'quality score'.
Promiscuous female African cichlids stimulate males to produce larger and speedier sperm, a strategy to outcompete rival suitors for reproduction. Researchers used computer simulations to show that this evolutionary adaptation occurs after species transition to more promiscuous mating behaviors.
Researchers found that men inherit a tendency to have more sons or daughters from their parents, with brothers increasing son chances and sisters increasing daughter chances. The study also suggests an unknown gene controls sperm X/Y chromosome balance, affecting child sex ratios.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have determined the first 3D structure of ZP3, a protein essential for fertilization in mammals. The findings provide insights into the molecular architecture of animal egg coats and may lead to the development of novel contraceptives.
Scientists have discovered condensin II, a protein that separates chromosomes by twisting them into supercoils, enabling proper chromosome alignment and gene expression. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of genetic disorders like Down syndrome and improved DNA sequencing analysis.
Research challenges the idea that longer sperm are faster due to drag from their heads. Streamlining and tail shape may be more important factors in determining sperm performance.
Females may mate with multiple partners to avoid passing on sperm-damaging genes, boosting offspring health and sex ratio. This adaptive strategy could explain why many species have polyandrous females.
A new at-home test, SpermCheck Vasectomy, has been shown to accurately detect low sperm counts in vasectomized men. The test achieved an accuracy rate of 96% in identifying sperm concentrations below a threshold of 250,000 sperm per ml.