Articles tagged with Sperm
Researchers at Cornell University used high-powered cryo-electron microscopy to study mosquito sperm and fertilization. They discovered that sperm shed their outer coat within 24 hours of insemination, triggering rapid motility and increased fertility in females.
Researchers at Penn Medicine identify specific genetic locations of retained histones in sperm DNA, which can affect embryonic development. A new mouse model with a mutated Gcn5 gene allows for closer tracking of defective sperm and potential therapeutic targets.
A team of researchers from Osaka University identified a key protein required for electrical signal sensing in sperm, which is defective in individuals experiencing reduced fertility. The study's findings suggest that the protein regulates ion channel activity, affecting sperm motility and potentially leading to new fertility treatments.
Researchers at TU Dresden compared bovine sperm from different layers, identifying connections between metabolic rate, motility, and tail length. The study found that faster sperm show higher metabolic rates and longer flagella than non-selected cells.
A recent study at the University of Virginia has made a groundbreaking discovery about fertilization, revealing that sperm and eggs fuse in a dynamic process where both play an active role. The research may lead to new treatments for infertility, including male contraceptives and improved IVF success rates.
Researchers have identified patterns of epigenetic molecules on sperm DNA that can indicate male infertility. A new diagnostic approach could provide doctors with a reliable method to screen men for infertility, saving couples time and effort in finding suitable treatment options.
The UMass Amherst team will expand research into the impact of phthalate exposure on male fertility and sperm epigenetics. The study aims to identify epigenetic signatures associated with phthalate exposures and altered sperm function, which may provide better preconception advising for couples.
A study on male spider mating found that they possess nervous tissue and sensory organs in their copulatory organs, contrary to previous beliefs. This discovery suggests that these organs may play a role in the transfer of sperm and assessing female spiders during mating.
A new discovery reveals that mouse X and Y chromosomes compete to produce female versus male offspring, with genes on the X favoring daughters and genes on the Y favoring sons. IVF fertilization can reverse this imbalance.
A research team has identified a novel caloric restriction mimetic, 3,4-dimethoxychalcone, which induces autophagy and promotes longevity. The substance may prove useful in treating age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Researchers identified genes that influence the balance between male and female offspring in mice, affecting male fertility. The study found that removing specific gene families led to skewed sex ratios and male infertility, providing a potential model for understanding sperm production.
Research on mice suggests poor paternal diet, specifically low in protein, negatively impacts offspring's heart health. The study found that a mismatch between sperm and seminal fluid quality can lead to this negative impact.
In the Triassic period, early mammal ancestors (therapsids) turned to a nocturnal lifestyle to overcome thermoregulation challenges. Their rapid endothermy led to elevated body temperatures, posing a risk to sperm quality. By becoming active at night, these mammals could preserve sperm quality.
A new study has found that a father's low-protein diet can affect the quality of his sperm and impact the long-term cardiovascular health of his offspring. The study used mouse models to show that a poor-quality diet altered genetic information carried in sperm, changing blood vessel formation in developing fetuses.
A dietary compound found in tomatoes has been shown to improve sperm quality, increasing fast swimming sperm and improving size and shape. Researchers hope the discovery could transform the outlook for men with fertility problems.
Researchers found that male and female flour beetles have evolved mechanisms to quickly adapt their sperm and eggs to warmer temperatures, resulting in improved reproductive performance. This adaptation enables species to better withstand the challenges of climate change.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that coral spawning synchrony has broken down in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, leading to reduced recruitment and stagnant aging populations. The researchers attribute this decline to ocean warming and endocrine-disrupting pollutants, posing a threat to the long-term survival of coral species.
Researchers found a specific gene associated with autism undergoes changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, sparking further investigation into potential intergenerational effects. The study suggests a possible connection between cannabis use and autism, warranting urgent research given the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
A team of scientists has successfully fertilized seven out of ten northern white rhino eggs using ICSI and frozen sperm from two bulls. The eggs were matured at Avantea in Italy, marking a critical milestone in the BioRescue program aimed at saving the species from extinction.
Researchers used fruit flies to study the emergence of new genes in the testes, finding 184 de novo genes that originate from scratch. These genes show complex patterns and are most active during the spermatocyte phase of sperm development, suggesting they play roles in maturing sperm cells.
Researchers have developed a novel chemical treatment that can segregate X-bearing sperm from Y-bearing sperm, enabling dramatic alteration of the sex ratio in offspring. This technique has potential for simplifying sex selection in human assisted reproduction and artificial insemination.
A recent case study published in Pediatrics found that one transgender woman was able to produce viable sperm after a few months of discontinuing her puberty-halting medication, while another patient was unable to do so. The study provides valuable information for clinicians and patients seeking fertility preservation options.
Researchers discovered an endometrial receptor that recognizes sperm molecules, allowing them to survive and potentially increasing fertility rates. This 'secret handshake' interaction may adjust the female's immune response and help sperm overcome the leukocytic reaction.
Researchers identified a potent pheromone called spermine in the semen of sea lampreys that attracts only ovulatory female sea lampreys. The discovery may reveal a new mechanism for male animals to recruit mates through chemical cues in semen, potentially with implications for conservation and management of sea lamprey populations.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that spermine, an odorous compound in male semen, attracts mature female sea lampreys and helps them select suitable mates. This finding could potentially be used to control invasive sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes.
In a rare African damselfly species, females facilitate reproductive success of inferior males when their health is at risk. By evading dominant males' attention and preserving their health, females inadvertently enable sneaker male paternity.
Researchers from the University of Bath have conducted double-blind experiments showing that healthy mice pups can be born from sperm without acquired short RNA chains, challenging a proposed mechanism of epigenetic inheritance. The study undermines claims made by two 2018 papers that reported RNA addition was necessary for fertility.
A study of almost 5000 IVF/ICSI cycles found that paternal age over 51 years significantly affects the chance of success, while miscarriage rates remain unchanged. Men are advised to not delay fatherhood due to declining natural fertility with increasing age.
A large multicentre study of almost 5000 patients found no benefit from ICSI in terms of fresh and cumulative live birth rate in non-male factor cases, challenging the global trend of ICSI adoption
A large population study has found that paternal smoking is associated with lower total sperm counts and concentrations in adult sons, regardless of maternal smoking. The study, which analyzed data from over 778 young men, found an 8-9% decline in sperm count and concentration among sons of fathers who smoked daily.
A large-scale study found that long-term cryopreservation of semen does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates in women using donor sperm. The study analyzed 119,558 semen samples stored for up to 15 years and found similar success rates in IVF and donor insemination, despite a decline in frozen sperm survival rate over time.
Human sperm samples exposed to microgravity have shown no significant difference in viability compared to those on Earth. The study found 100% concordance in DNA fragmentation rate and vitality, and 90% concordance in sperm concentration and motility.
Researchers at UNIGE identified genetic causes of susceptibility to phthalates, a common endocrine disruptor, which affects fertility and sperm quality. The study revealed that epigenetic changes caused by phthalate exposure can be passed down to future generations.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that marijuana use can decrease sperm count and delay ovulation. The study also suggests that marijuana may affect couples with subfertility or infertility but has no impact on those without fertility issues.
Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze sperm that tracks its tail movement, providing vital information for understanding male fertility. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
A study of 643 young men found that those exposed to stressful life events during early gestation had worse sperm quality and lower testosterone concentrations than those not exposed. This suggests that maternal exposure to stress may have long-lasting effects on male fertility.
A study by University of Exeter scientists found that older male crickets are more attractive to females, leading to successful pairings, but they mate less frequently once paired. The researchers also discovered no relationship between a male's age at mating and offspring production.
A study at Children's National Hospital has successfully cryopreserved testicular tissue from 189 males, offering a potential fertility preservation option for younger boys. The research found undifferentiated spermatogonia in the testicular tissues of patients who had not yet received an ablative dose of therapy.
The first nationwide study on semen quality in Switzerland found that 38% of young men have semen parameter values above the WHO norms. Poor semen quality is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and infertility, with 25% of men having less than 40% motile spermatozoa.
Sperm banks in the UK and Australia have used marketing strategies that rely on masculine archetypes to create value for a commodity they cannot legally buy. The use of these archetypes, such as the 'soldier' and 'everyday hero', has helped resolve donor shortages and procure sperm for free.
Anabolic steroids pose significant health risks, including damaged sperm and increased risk of heart disease and liver damage. Men are often aware of these risks but choose to continue using steroids to improve strength and physical performance.
A Rutgers study found that men over 45 experience decreased fertility and increased pregnancy complications in their partners. Infants born to older fathers are also at higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and childhood cancers.
A study found that maternal obesity affects sperm RNA, influencing offspring's behavior and health. Sperm tsRNAs contribute to transgenerational transmission of addiction and obesity traits in mice.
A recent study has discovered that female fruit flies can sense the sensation of sex and reject unwanted partners, independent of sperm presence. The 'copulation effect' involves a neural circuit that allows females to quickly determine if they've successfully mated.
A research team has identified the Sex-lethal gene as essential for the formation of apyrene sperm, a type of non-nucleated sperm found in some animals. Apyrene sperm are required for eupyrene sperm migration in female organs, indicating their importance in fertilization.
A recent animal study published in The FASEB Journal found that a deficiency of the DNA repair gene XRCC1 leads to impaired spermatogenesis and infertility in male mice. The researchers observed lower sperm concentration and motility, as well as disrupted stemness, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in XRCC1-knockout mice.
A new study by University of Lincoln researchers suggests that extreme temperatures can impact the reproductive behavior and physiology of males before females, potentially leading to infertility. The study found that rising temperatures hampered sperm production in male Indian meal moths, affecting their ability to mate.
Research found that screw-shaped bird sperm have high average swimming speed, but also higher rates of abnormal or damaged sperm. The study suggests a trade-off between swimming speed and robustness, with the more screw-shaped sperm being faster but more fragile.
Researchers at Kyoto University have made a breakthrough in understanding the root cause of abnormal sperm morphology in infertile mice. By modifying a single amino acid on a key protein, they were able to restore fertility in test mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infertility.
Researchers found that men who stopped using performance-enhancing hormones experienced complete recovery of sperm production and hormone levels within nine to 18 months. However, testicular size remained smaller than normal in some cases. The study provides valuable insights for endocrinologists caring for men affected by androgen abuse.
A new male oral contraceptive, 11-beta-MNTDC, has been found to decrease sperm production while preserving libido, according to a phase 1 study. The drug produced hormone responses consistent with effective contraception and had few mild side effects.
Research in mice found that exposure to particulate matter led to deterioration of testicular function and changes in gene expression related to sperm production. The study's findings suggest that air pollution may be a contributing factor to the increasing rates of male infertility worldwide.
Research suggests that sperm DNA damage in male partners may cause recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), with affected men having twice as much DNA damage as healthy counterparts. High levels of reactive oxygen species were also found, which can damage cells like sperm.
Researchers successfully froze and thawed testicular tissue from young monkeys, resulting in live births after implanting the frozen tissue back into the animals. The study demonstrates a promising approach for preserving fertility in childhood cancer patients.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has successfully restored fertility in a non-human primate model using cryopreserved immature testicular tissue. The breakthrough, reported in Science, offers new hope for childhood cancer survivors who are at risk of infertility due to chemotherapy or radiation.
Researchers have demonstrated that epigenetic information carried by parental sperm chromosomes can cause changes in gene expression and development in the offspring. Epigenetic changes involve chemical modifications to either the DNA itself or to the histone proteins with which DNA is packaged in the chromosomes.
Human sperm's ability to swim through cervical mucus is crucial for fertilization. Researchers have discovered that the tails of human sperm have a reinforcing outer-layer that provides the necessary strength and stability to break through the fluid barrier.
Scientists at University of Sydney have successfully used 50-year-old ram sperm to impregnate 34 Merino ewes, demonstrating the viability of long-term frozen storage. The resulting live birth rate was comparable to that of recently frozen semen.
Researchers have discovered that sperm DNA taken directly from the testicles of infertile men is as good as that of ejaculated sperm from fertile men, potentially opening a new way for treatment. This finding may explain a major cause of male infertility and could lead to improved fertility outcomes.
Asexual female nematodes M. belari produce limited male offspring to exploit their sperm for reproduction and maintain a stable population. This unique strategy allows females to control the reproductive process and ensures that male genes do not re-enter the gene pool.