All articles tagged with #sperm
A study finds that long-term monogamy in termites reduced sperm competition, leading to the loss of sperm-motility genes and enabling a shift from solitary ancestors to highly social colonies, showing that social complexity can arise by pruning genetic complexity.
A new EMBO Journal study reports a mid-life, abrupt shift in sperm RNA—an “aging cliff”—that could influence what fathers pass to their offspring, offering a mechanism beyond DNA mutations that may help explain increased risks of neurodevelopmental and metabolic issues in children of older dads and supporting aging-related cautions in assisted reproduction.
New research shows that harmful genetic mutations in sperm increase with age and are actively favored during sperm production, raising genetic risks for offspring as men grow older, with some mutations linked to serious diseases and cancer, and evidence of natural selection within the testes influencing mutation rates.
A study shows that sperm from older men carry more genetic mutations, including potentially harmful ones, which increases the risk of genetic diseases in offspring. The research highlights that mutations accumulate with age and are subject to positive selection, raising concerns about reproductive planning and genetic counseling for older fathers.
Scientists discovered that human sperm and algae can swim through viscous fluids by exhibiting 'odd elasticity,' which allows them to bypass Newton's third law of motion, revealing non-reciprocal interactions that could inform the design of self-assembling robots and improve understanding of collective biological behavior.
Research shows that as men age, their sperm accumulate more mutations, some of which are harmful and linked to developmental disorders and cancers, increasing the potential health risks for their children. The study highlights the role of 'selfish' mutations that outcompete others in the testes, with mutation rates rising from 2% in men in their 30s to about 4.5% in men over 70, though not all mutations are necessarily passed on or harmful. Further research is needed to understand the full impact on offspring health.
A study suggests that COVID-19 infection in male mice causes changes in sperm that may lead to increased anxiety and altered brain development in their offspring, indicating potential long-lasting effects of the virus on future generations, though further research in humans is needed.
Research in mice suggests that a father's SARS-CoV-2 infection before conception can alter sperm RNA, leading to increased anxiety and changes in brain development in offspring, indicating potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on future generations.
Research shows that as men age, harmful mutations in sperm increase and are favored during sperm production, raising the risk of passing on genetic disorders like neurodevelopmental issues and cancer to offspring, due to a process called 'selfish selection.'
Scientists have discovered that sperm and other microorganisms use a unique form of elasticity called 'odd elasticity' in their flagella, allowing them to swim efficiently in thick fluids by bending asymmetrically and bypassing traditional physics laws like Newton's third law. This discovery, supported by mathematical modeling and high-speed microscopy, could inspire new micro-robotic designs and improve understanding of microbial movement and human health issues related to cilia function.
Scientists discovered the oldest known fossilized animal sperm, preserved in a 50-million-year-old cocoon from Antarctica, providing new insights into early life and evolution. The find, related to earthworm and leech ancestors, was accidental and offers a rare glimpse into soft-bodied microorganisms from the past.
Sperm are male reproductive cells produced in the testes, while semen is the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation, composed of sperm and seminal fluid from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Pre-ejaculate, produced by bulbourethral glands, may contain sperm in some cases, posing a very low but possible risk of pregnancy. Semen's characteristics can indicate health status, and contraception methods like vasectomy can prevent sperm from being present in semen.
A recent study reveals that human sperm can swim through viscous fluids in a way that defies Newton's third law, thanks to a property called odd elasticity, which allows them to generate propulsion without the typical opposing forces, with implications for designing efficient microscopic robots and understanding collective behavior in nature.
Research shows tiny plastic particles are present in human reproductive fluids, including eggs and sperm, raising concerns about potential impacts on fertility and hormonal balance, with further studies needed to establish causation and explore mitigation strategies.
Scientists are still uncovering the mysteries of sperm, including how they swim, navigate, and interact with the female reproductive system. Advances in technology are revealing new insights into sperm structure, movement, and the influence of female evolution on sperm diversity, but many aspects remain poorly understood, highlighting sperm as one of the most complex and rapidly evolving cells.