Articles tagged with Semen
Researchers have developed a method to quantify semen activity based on its spinning motion, providing an objective ranking for artificial insemination. The technique measures the collective rotation of sperm in a semen drop, which is faster and more reliable than current subjective rankings.
A team of researchers has successfully isolated Zika virus from a semen sample, obtaining the first complete genome sequence of the virus in humans. The study provides valuable insights into potential sexual transmission of Zika virus, which was previously poorly understood.
The study found that ICSI men had almost half the sperm concentration and a two-fold lower total sperm count compared to naturally conceived men. They were also nearly three times more likely to have sperm concentrations below 15 million per millilitre of semen.
A study of stud dogs over 26 years found a significant decline in sperm quality, with chemicals in dog food and testes contributing to the issue. This may offer insight into human semen quality decline, as dogs share similar environments and exhibit similar responses to therapies.
The PREVAIL IV trial is a six-month study enrolling 60-120 EVD survivors with evidence of Ebola virus RNA in their semen. Participants will receive either investigational drug GS-5734 or a placebo to see if it can eliminate the viral RNA from semen.
Vasalgel, a non-hormonal, long-acting male contraceptive, has shown rapid and durable efficacy in rabbits, with 11 out of 12 subjects becoming azoospermic within days. The study's findings support planning for a clinical trial in men, aiming to make Vasalgel available worldwide at an affordable cost.
A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.
A new scientific review article reveals that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are contributing to declining fertility rates in industrialized countries. Poor semen quality and higher incidences of testicular cancer have been linked to environmental factors, with average men experiencing lower levels of testosterone.
Studies reveal that long-term sex work may increase HIV-1 resistance through changes in the cervical and vaginal microenvironment. Women who remain uninfected despite repeated sexual activity exhibit lower immune activation, enhanced expression of interferon ε, and reduced expression of genes critical for HIV survival.
A suspected case of sexual Ebola transmission was confirmed using genomic analysis, providing evidence of direct transmission between an EVD survivor and his partner. The study also shows the persistence of infectious EBOV in semen for over 179 days after disease onset.
Researchers developed two methods to target HIV in semen, using a heat shock protein to break up amyloid fibrils and a small molecule called CLR01 to disrupt fibril formation and disassemble existing ones. These approaches may reduce HIV transmission and have potential for treating other diseases.
Conservationists at Lincoln Park Zoo successfully reproduced black-footed ferrets using frozen semen from a deceased ferret, significantly increasing the species' genetic diversity. The offspring will help recover the endangered population and increase its chances of survival.
A Danish study of 311 women reveals that single women seeking donor semen differ little from cohabiting women in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward motherhood. The study suggests that the myth surrounding single women's suitability for parenthood may be overstated.
A study published in Human Reproduction found a link between eating high-pesticide residue fruit and vegetables and lower sperm counts and percentages of normally-formed sperm. However, the total amount of fruit and vegetables consumed was unrelated to semen quality overall.
Men who consumed more produce with high pesticide residue levels had lower sperm counts and poorer sperm quality. Conversely, those who ate less of such produce had better semen health. The study suggests that minimizing pesticide exposure through organic or low-residue foods may be beneficial for reproductive health.
Researchers are developing microfluidic solutions for easy-to-use, disposable, inexpensive, and high-throughput sperm selection. These methods offer promising results for single-sperm genomics, in-home male fertility testing, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed data from over 450 men trying to conceive, finding that heavy work-related activity, high blood pressure, and multiple medications may lower sperm counts. The study suggests environmental factors and health status play a significant role in semen quality.
A study of 9,387 men with fertility issues found a correlation between poor semen quality and various health conditions, including hypertension and skin/endocrine disorders. The study suggests that treating male infertility may also benefit overall health.
A review of 90 studies found consistent declines in semen volume and sperm performance, as well as increases in malformed and DNA-damaged sperm with increasing male age. This decline in semen quality is a significant concern for couples delaying childbearing and may contribute to increased infertility rates.
A new study reveals that microbicides targeting HIV are less effective when exposed to semen due to its amyloid fibrils, which enhance the virus's infectiousness. Researchers suggest creating a compound targeting both the virus and these protein aggregates to improve drug efficacy.
Research on 1221 Danish men found a link between moderate weekly alcohol intake and poorer sperm quality, with effects more noticeable at higher consumption levels. The study showed that even habitual drinking was associated with changes in reproductive hormone levels, leading to lower sperm counts and abnormal sperm shape.
A recent study found that males with more masculine faces tend to have lower semen quality due to increased testosterone levels impairing sperm production. Males often overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.
A study found that HIV infection alters the relationship between semen bacteria and immune factors, affecting viral load. Semen bacterial diversity was reduced in infected men, but restored after treatment.
Researchers investigated how HIV infection affects semen bacteria and immune response, finding a link between higher viral loads and increased bacterial and cytokine levels. This discovery could lead to new ways to control the spread of HIV by targeting semen bacteria.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that stress degrades sperm quality in men, leading to lower concentrations and impaired motility. The researchers studied 193 men and found associations between subjective and objective measures of stress and semen concentration.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that men with male infertility are more likely to die sooner than those with normal semen quality, with a doubling of mortality risk. The study examined data from over 12,000 men aged 20-50 and found an inverse relationship between semen quality and mortality rate.
A study published in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal found that freezing semen before cancer treatment can significantly increase the chances of fatherhood. Among 334 male survivors who wanted to have children, those with frozen semen had a success rate of 62% compared to 21% without it.
A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
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.
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.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV exploits a human cytokine called interleukin 7 (IL-7) in semen to promote its own transmission. The researchers discovered that the increased concentration of IL-7 in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.
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.
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.
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 found that physically active men have better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men. The study assessed 31 male participants and found significant differences in semen volume, sperm count, and hormone levels between physically active and sedentary groups.
A U of S-led team discovered a protein in semen that prompts ovulation by acting on the female brain, found to be the same molecule as nerve growth factor regulating nerve cell growth and survival.
A study published in Biology of Reproduction found that consuming 75 grams of walnuts per day enhances sperm vitality, motility, and morphology in healthy young men. The walnut diet also reduced chromosomal abnormalities in sperm.
A new study has identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with low sperm fertilizing capacity, predicting male infertility. The research used RNA profiling to analyze semen samples from 68 donors and found significant differences in gene expression between fertile and infertile individuals.
Researchers found that HIV in semen persists among sexually active HIV-infected MSM on HAART, posing a transmission risk. Detection of HIV in semen was strongly associated with high-risk behavior and genital inflammation.
A study of 99 men found an association between high total fat intake and lower total sperm count and concentration. Men who consumed more omega-3 polyunsaturated fats had better formed sperm than those who consumed less.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered protein fragments in semen that enhance HIV's ability to infect new cells. Removing these components from semen diminishes HIV's infection potential, suggesting a new approach to preventing transmission.
A five-year study found that workers with high urine BPA levels had decreased sperm concentration, total sperm count, and vitality. The association between BPA exposure and poor semen quality strengthens evidence that BPA may have detrimental effects on the male reproductive system.
Researchers found two mechanisms altering HIV-1 population in semen, including clonal amplification and compartmentalization. The study suggests the viral population in semen may be distinct from that in blood, affecting our understanding of transmission and selective pressures.
Researchers found HIV-1 virus alters in semen versus blood through two distinct mechanisms, affecting its replication and transmission.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.
A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.
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 successfully inseminated a female rhinoceros with frozen and thawed semen, resulting in the first live birth of this kind. The achievement holds great promise for preserving endangered species populations.
Research by Dr. A Ghiyath Shayeb found that obese men had lower semen volumes and higher proportions of abnormal sperm. Men with a healthy BMI, however, had better semen quality. The study suggests that achieving an ideal body weight before trying for a baby can improve fertility outcomes.
A study published in Occupational Environmental Medicine found that men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers have poor semen quality. The researchers discovered that these workers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having a low motile sperm count compared to those with low exposure.
A study published in Cell Press reveals that a component of human semen can enhance the ability of HIV to cause infection. The ingredient, called Semen-derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI), forms amyloid fibrils that capture and facilitate the entry of HIV into target cells.
Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have isolated MIF, a substance in semen that regulates sperm maturity and fertility. Elevated or low levels of MIF were found to be associated with infertility, while high levels were linked to autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that male lupus patients have high frequency of sperm abnormalities associated with reduced testicular volume. Treatment with IV CYC was identified as the major factor in permanent damage to the testes, leading to lower median testicular volumes and semen abnormalities.
A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found a significant link between high maternal beef consumption and lower sperm counts in sons. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to anabolic hormones from beef may alter sperm production in the male fetus, leading to reduced semen quality.
Researchers found that male mounting, even without semen transfer, reduces a hen's tendency to mate with other males and decreases the number of sperm obtained from a new rooster. This behavior helps defend paternity, suggesting copulations without semen transfer have evolutionary significance.
Studies suggest that environmental pollutants like POPs can change sperm distribution and contribute to male reproductive disorders. A Swedish study found a slight increase in Y chromosome-bearing sperm in fishermen exposed to persistent organochlorine pollutants.
Researchers have identified a novel marker, AP-2y, for detecting testicular cancer in semen samples. The test showed a sensitivity of 46% and was highly specific, with no false-positives.
Researchers found a clear correlation between female promiscuity and rapid evolution of the semenogelin protein in various primate species. This suggests that intense sexual competition drives genetic adaptation, with genes evolving faster in species with more promiscuous females.
Researchers found semen volume increases with abstinence, but sperm morphology deteriorates over time. Abstaining for up to two days may be sufficient for some men undergoing fertility treatment.