Size isn’t everything. For decades, we’ve known that bigger balls are a sign that there is strong sperm competition between males. But now a laboratory experiment has shown that when many male mice mate with the same females, their descendants can quickly evolve testes that can produce more sperm even though they’re not any larger.
Tag: sperm
Microchip And Male Birth Control — Here’s The Exciting Future Of Contraception
Ladies, our days of setting an alarm so we remember to take our trusty little pill may soon be over. We previously introduced you to Vasalgel — a form of male birth control that blocks sperm from travelling through guys’ tubes — which is expected to hit the market later this year. Turns out Vasalgel might just be the first of several revolutionary contraceptives on the way.
BPA Exposure May Change Stem Cells, Lower Sperm Production
BPA and other estrogenic compounds hamper development of the stem cells responsible for producing sperm in mice, which suggests such exposure could contribute to declining sperm counts in men, according to a new study.
School of Medicine Scientist Finds the Cause of ‘Headless’ Sperm in Male Infertility
Male infertility affects one out of 20 adult men worldwide, and headless sperm are often seen in the semen of male infertility patients. In some infertile males, all their sperm are headless, a condition called “acephalic sperm.”
Sperm Shopping Study Proves Women Want More Than Money
A study of online sperm markets shows women value more than just money when it comes to choosing a father for their children.
Rudimentary Egg and Sperm Cells Made from Stem Cells
Israeli and UK researchers have created human sperm and egg precursor cells in a dish, starting from a person’s skin cells. The achievement is a small step towards a treatment for infertility, although one that could face significant controversy and regulatory hurdles.
Source of Sperm and Egg’s Zinc Sparks Identified
When egg meets sperm in mammals, zinc sparks fly.
Hypertension, Medical Conditions Linked to Low Semen Quality
Medical comorbidities are linked to poor semen quality, suggesting that current health condition and genetic factors affect sperm production, according to findings of a cross-sectional study published online December 9 in Fertility and Sterility.
What Problem Is Quebec’s IVF Bill Trying to Solve?
Discussions surrounding Quebec’s proposed reforms to its laws relating to assisted procreation have focused on its decision to eliminate its program of funding three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF). But this narrow focus ignores other significant changes in Bill 20: notably, its decision to prohibit women over the age of 42 from using IVF and the requirement that Quebeckers using donated sperm or eggs undergo a psychosocial assessment prior to accessing treatment.
Longer Sperm Better at Fertilising Eggs: Study
Long sperm is more likely to reach and fertilise eggs compared to short sperm, even if the short sperm is given a ‘head start’, a new study on birds has found.