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The term sperm refers to the male reproductive cells. In the types of sexual reproduction known as anisogamy and oogamy, there is a marked difference in the size of the gametes with the smaller one being termed the "male" or sperm cell. The human sperm cell is haploid, so that its 23 chromosomes can join the 23 chromosomes of the female egg to form a diploid cell.

New candidate molecule could become an effective non-hormonal male contraceptive

Despite birth control existing for decades, almost none of the options specifically target sperm cells. Researchers are now developing approaches that target testosterone or otherwise interrupt the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, yet these may not work for everyone.

30 Jan 2023

Novel class of sulfonamides to block malaria transmission

Malaria is a devastating disease, with 247 million cases and 619,000 deaths reported in 2021 alone. Malaria causes fever and a flu-like illness that occurs when people are infected with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is spread by mosquitoes.

30 Jan 2023

Study: FER1L5 protein essential for sperm to undergo acrosome reaction and male fertility

Fertilization is the union of two cells: an egg and a sperm. Before the egg and the sperm fuse, an event known as the "acrosome reaction" needs to occur in the sperm.

25 Jan 2023

Study reveals why older male fruit flies are more likely to pass mutations onto their offspring

The male reproductive system serves as a hotspot for the emergence of new genes. Perhaps that explains why more new mutations are inherited from fathers than from mothers.

12 Jan 2023

Less than four in 100 men reach the end of the sperm donation process

Less than four in 100 men who apply to be sperm donors reach the end of the process and have samples frozen and released for treatments, according to a new study.

9 Jan 2023

Radiation damage to mature sperm cannot be repaired and is instead passed on to the offspring

Whether radiation exposure of fathers can have consequences on their children is one of the most long-standing questions in radiation biology.

21 Dec 2022

What influence has COVID-19 vaccination had on sperm characteristics?

Researchers assessed the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on sperm characteristics.

15 Dec 2022

Mediterranean diet may be a non-intrusive and affordable strategy to overcome infertility

With an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and legumes, the Mediterranean diet has long been applauded for its multiple health benefits. Now, new research shows that it may also help overcome infertility, making it a non-intrusive and affordable strategy for couples trying to conceive.

13 Dec 2022

Microbiomes in female reproductive tract linked to pregnancy following use of ART

Specific microbial profiles are associated with better conception rates from assisted reproductive technology.

9 Dec 2022

Artificial sweetener linked to anxiety-like behavior in mice

Florida State University College of Medicine researchers have linked aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in nearly 5,000 diet foods and drinks, to anxiety-like behavior in mice.

8 Dec 2022

For patients with sickle cell disease, fertility care is about reproductive justice

Teonna Woolford has always wanted six kids. Why six? "I don't know where that number came from. I just felt like four wasn't enough," said Woolford, a Baltimore resident. "Six is a good number."

8 Dec 2022

Impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality

Researchers examined the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on sperm quality.

1 Dec 2022

New drug candidates for male birth control may be on the horizon

For decades, researchers have been working on "male birth control" -; and studies show there is a demand.

30 Nov 2022

Study identifies risk factors that increase Black men's susceptibility to early-onset prostate cancer

A family history of cancer and genetic variants that might be inherited appear to be important risk factors for Black men diagnosed with early-onset prostate cancer, a study involving Duke Health researchers has found.

29 Nov 2022

Common chemotherapy drug could carry toxic inheritance for future generations of cancer survivors

A common chemotherapy drug could carry a toxic inheritance for children and grandchildren of adolescent cancer survivors, Washington State University-led research indicates.

28 Nov 2022

Does a vasectomy change the semen microbiome?

Researchers investigate alterations in the semen microbiome before and after the vasectomy procedure.

22 Nov 2022

Genetic differences can affect the swimming behavior of sperm cells, study shows

The behavior of sperm cells is due, in part, to the individual DNA make-up of these cells, rather than only to the genetics of males, finds a team of scientists.

15 Nov 2022

Increased paternal age may give rise to disease in the new generation

In a new study, researchers assessed the effects of paternal age on novel mutations and diseases in the next generation.

8 Nov 2022

Post-‘Roe,’ contraceptive failures carry bigger stakes

Birth control options have improved over the decades. Oral contraceptives are now safer, with fewer side effects. Intrauterine devices can prevent pregnancy 99.6% of the time. But no prescription drug or medical device works flawlessly, and people's use of contraception is inexact.

7 Nov 2022

Ancient viral DNA in human genomes protects cells against present-day viruses

Viral DNA in human genomes, embedded there from ancient infections, serve as antivirals that protect human cells against certain present-day viruses, according to new research.

27 Oct 2022