Articles tagged with Sperm
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.
Research by University of Nottingham scientists found that environmental contaminants like DEHP and PCB153 can damage sperm quality in both men and domestic dogs. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may be contributing to declining human male fertility.
A new method has been developed using a microchip device that sorts sperm based on their swimming potential, allowing for faster and cheaper selection of viable sperm. This technology may improve IVF success rates, especially in women under 35 who have low chances of successful fertilization.
Researchers have identified the world's first semi-identical twins during pregnancy using genetic testing. The Brisbane twins share only a proportion of their father's DNA, making them a unique case of sesquizygotic twins.
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that one course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery does not have a long-term effect on sperm count and concentration in men with early stage testicular cancer. Sperm number and concentration recovered in all groups up to five years after treatment.
Researchers discovered a crucial developmental period in male sperm development that enables fathers to pass on genetic information. The study found that the 3D organization of DNA in maturing male reproductive cells is necessary for fertility, with potential implications for reproductive health problems.
Researchers found that longer-lived sperm in a male's ejaculate produce offspring with longer and healthier lifespans. This study has important implications for evolutionary biology and assisted fertilization technologies, such as IVF in humans.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that men who have smoked marijuana at some point in their life had significantly higher concentrations of sperm compared to men who have never smoked. The study also found no significant difference in sperm concentrations between current and former marijuana smokers.
Researchers found that moderate cannabis use is associated with higher sperm concentrations and testosterone levels compared to non-smokers. However, the study highlights the need for more research on the effects of cannabis on reproductive health due to limitations in the data collection process.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine use single-cell RNA sequencing to define cell types in human testes, opening a path for new strategies to treat male infertility. The study identifies spermatogonial stem cells and biomarkers that could help develop protein cocktails to drive cell proliferation.
Researchers have developed a medium-term, reversible form of male contraception using layers of materials to block the vas deferens. The approach involves injecting four layers into the duct, which can be broken down and reformed by heat, allowing for temporary sterilization.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a gene crucial for sperm production, shedding light on why some men may be infertile. The RBMXL2 gene's deletion blocked sperm production, paving the way for further research into male factor infertility.
Researchers discovered that cilia in the efferent ductules of male reproductive tract agitate sperm to prevent aggregation and promote transport. The study's findings have significant translational potential for developing new methods to help patients with infertility.
A study of 50 men with partners who experienced recurrent miscarriages found higher levels of DNA damage in their sperm compared to healthy control groups. The researchers suggest that oxidative stress triggered by reactive oxygen species may contribute to the risk of miscarriage, and are investigating potential treatments.
Research from Duke University Medical Center found that cannabis use affects epigenetics, altering DNA methylation and structural changes in sperm. The study's findings raise concerns about the potential genetic impact of cannabis on children born to fathers who have used the substance.
A study of 1644 infertile men found that longer durations of infertility were associated with lower sperm counts and impaired sperm parameters. Older age and higher body mass index were also linked to prolonged infertility.
Researchers analyzed sperm from 58 South American rodents to find that distinct shapes can differentiate between closely related species. The study suggests that sperm shape may be an evolutionary advantage, providing a new method for identifying and conserving rodent species.
A recent study published in Advances in Nutrition found that supplementing the diet with omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 can increase sperm count. Additionally, selenium, zinc, and carnitines have been associated with improved sperm mobility and morphology.
Research at Lund University discovered a link between fathers' smoking habits and son's sperm count, with men whose fathers smoked having 41% lower sperm concentration. The study adjusted for maternal nicotine exposure and socioeconomic factors.
A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.
Whales and dolphins use a narrow beam of high intensity sound to find food in dark or murky waters; size affects the ability to focus this sense.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that heatwaves can halve male reproductive fitness, reducing offspring production by three-quarters. The study found that heatwaves also damage inseminated sperm within female reproductive tracts, leading to reduced fertility and population viability.
UTSA scientists create world's most comprehensive digital roadmap for male fertility by analyzing individual cells' gene expression. This innovation could help diagnose and treat infertility issues, as well as inform the development of new contraception methods.
A review of 28 studies found that bariatric surgery increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function in obese men, but had no impact on sperm parameters. However, nutritional malabsorption may counterbalance these hormonal changes.
A new study analyzing online sperm donors reveals they are more agreeable than traditional clinic donors. The researchers found exclusively online donors were more likely to be in committed relationships and identify with non-heterosexual sex identities.
A new study has discovered a single protein called Dazl that regulates a network of genes essential for developing sperm to replicate and survive. This finding could lay the groundwork for future research into therapies for infertile men, offering insights into molecular events that ensure survival of germ cells.
Researchers have found a way to grow human stem cells destined to become mature sperm, providing fertility options for males diagnosed with childhood cancer. The breakthrough could help patients who are infertile due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
A new study published in the journal Diabetes found that fathers' exercise habits can improve their offspring's glucose metabolism and reduce body weight, even if they were born to parents who consumed a high-fat diet. The research also suggests that small RNA changes in the father's sperm may play a role in transmitting beneficial met...
A Florida State University study found that nicotine exposure in fathers can cause cognitive deficits in their children and grandchildren. The study showed that changes in the father's sperm attributed to nicotine exposure led to problems in genes related to memory and learning.
A recent study of 744 infertile men found that 15.4% had undiagnosed prediabetes, with factors including older age and high follicle stimulating hormone levels linked to the condition. The study suggests that infertility in men may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered that sperm retain epigenetic marks important for the development of the germ line in offspring. This study provides evidence that the life experience of a father can affect the health of his descendants, highlighting the importance of epigenetic information carried by sperm.
A unique switching valve in the sperm-storage organ of Neotrogla insects allows females to receive two capsules of semen at once, leading to fierce competition over mating and eventual evolution of a female penis. The discovery, published in eLife, has potential applications in biomimetics and nanotechnology.
A mouse study found that paternal sperm DNA epigenetic changes may cause cognitive deficits in offspring, regardless of exposure to secondhand smoke. The effects were seen in both male and female mice, but were more pronounced in females.
Cell biologist Needhi Bhalla's research reveals a complex chromosomal monitoring system that prevents errors during meiosis, a type of cell division. The system involves checkpoints and molecular mechanisms to ensure proper progression of recombination.
Research at University of British Columbia and Harvard University found distinctive methylation differences in DNA of adult men who experienced child abuse as kids. The study suggests that methylation could be used as a biomarker for investigators or courts in weighing allegations of child abuse.
Researchers discovered termite populations with all-female colonies that can successfully reproduce and maintain social order without males. Queens in these colonies had empty spermathecae, indicating no fertilization of eggs.
A recent study published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics found that men should have frequent sex around the time of ovulation to improve their chances of conception. The research suggests that longer periods of abstinence can cause DNA damage in sperm, negatively impacting fertility rates.
Researchers at Washington State University found that new plastics meant to replace BPA are causing genetic abnormalities in mice, including reproductive defects. The study also highlights the risk of contamination in biological research using these plastics.
A microfluidic device created by Cornell University scientists can corral viable sperm in minutes, improving IVF chances. The device uses rheotaxis to separate highly motile sperm from weaker ones, reducing the time-consuming and tedious process of conventional methods.
A study by the University of Nottingham discovered that a lack of protein in a father's diet can negatively impact his offspring's long-term health. The research found that low-protein diets affect sperm quality, leading to increased obesity, type 2 diabetes, and reduced metabolic gene expression in offspring.
A new study suggests that paternal diet influences offspring health by affecting sperm DNA methylation tags and seminal plasma immunological responses. Mice fed a low-protein diet had overweight offspring with dysfunctional metabolism, highlighting the importance of a healthy father's nutrition for child well-being.
Michigan Medicine researchers created the most complete catalog of cells in the male gonads by analyzing over 30,000 individual cells from mouse testes. The study reveals a continuous sperm cell developmental program and identifies new cell types and molecular features that can help understand the causes of male infertility.
A team of researchers measured the force exerted by plant sperm cells as they navigate female flower tissues using microfluidic technology. The study found that the cellular pressure driving invasion corresponds to that of a car tire, and the pollen tubes adapt their growth pattern in response to physical resistance.
A study by Uppsala University found that sperm quality varies depending on a male's characteristics, such as attractiveness and age. For less dominant males, longer sperm is beneficial for fertilization success, while more attractive males benefit from smaller sperm.
Scientists have described the detailed structure of proteins enabling sperm-egg fusion in two species: Arabidopsis thaliana and Trypanosoma cruzi. The study reveals similarities and differences between the proteins, shedding light on how they work and potentially leading to new insights into human fertilization.
Men who wear loose-fitting boxers have significantly higher sperm concentrations and total sperm counts compared to those who don't. Researchers found a potential compensatory mechanism where decreased sperm production triggers hormone production boosts to stimulate gonad activity.
A new study published in Human Reproduction journal found that men who wear boxer shorts have higher sperm concentrations than those who wear tighter fitting underwear. The researchers also discovered a link between the type of underwear and lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates sperm production.
Researchers in Brazil create transgenic male mosquitoes with defective sperm to reduce Aedes aegypti population. The goal is to integrate this strategy with education, vaccines, larvicides, and insecticides to control arbovirosis diseases.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have identified a key molecule driving chemoattraction between sperm and egg cells in marine invertebrates. This molecule allows sodium ions to flow into the sperm cell, transporting protons out of the cell and increasing the pH, enabling the Ca2+ pulses needed for fertilization.
Researchers found that sperm's small RNA from the epididymis plays a crucial role in embryo development, and changes to this RNA can affect implantation rates. The study provides new insights into paternal contributions to offspring and has implications for assisted reproduction.
Studies by UMass Medical School Professor Oliver J. Rando and colleagues found that small RNAs in sperm play a crucial role in normal pre-implantation development, with subtle differences between sperm from the epididymis impacting offspring health.
Researchers found that treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease can destroy germ cells in the testes of young boys, leading to complete depletion of spermatogonia. The study suggests that freezing testicular tissue before treatment may be a viable option to preserve fertility.
Researchers established zebrafish mutants of four PIH-protein genes and found specific dynein subtypes are required for each PIH protein's function. The study demonstrates distinct roles of PIH proteins in axonemal dynein assembly, which may explain cilia motility defects.
Studies of over 4,000 mothers found that male and female babies have different genetic profiles in their placentas, which affect the levels of spermine metabolites. Higher levels of a specific form of spermine were associated with increased risks of pre-eclampsia and poor fetal growth.
Scientists have developed a new cryoprotective mixture that significantly improves the motility of frozen rhinoceros sperm after thawing. The new mixture has been successfully tested with sperm samples from three rhino species and shows potential for increasing the success rate of artificial insemination.