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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.

Organophosphate pesticide exposure linked to reduced sperm quality in healthy men

This pilot study found that urinary metabolites of organophosphate pesticides were linked to reduced sperm motility in healthy young men, though results were preliminary. Oxidative stress did not explain the association, suggesting other biological pathways may be involved.

25 Sep 2025

Tiny DNA junctions provide feedback to control genetic crossovers

Every new life begins after a genetic shuffle. When organisms make eggs or sperm, maternal and paternal chromosomes pair up and swap pieces of DNA in a process called crossing over.

25 Sep 2025

Researchers uncover how chromosome crossovers protect fertility

When a woman becomes pregnant, the outcome of that pregnancy depends on many things - including a crucial event that happened while she was still growing inside her own mother's womb.

24 Sep 2025

Study reveals how a key spinal circuit shapes the choreography of sex

For decades, it was thought that while the brain orchestrated male sexual behaviour – arousal, courtship, and copulation – the spinal cord merely executed the final act: ejaculation.

23 Sep 2025

Majority of parents disclose biological origins to their donor-conceived children

Four out of five parents tell their donor-conceived children about their biological origins, according to new research out of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

19 Sep 2025

Loss of key Y chromosome gene causes infertility in male mice

In a new study conducted at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, researchers from the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) have shown that the loss of a key male fertility gene leads to infertility and changes expression of hundreds of other important genes.

17 Sep 2025

Novel biotechnical vector integrates viral and synthetic features for targeted cancer therapy

Gene therapy offers the possibility of addressing cancer at its molecular roots by targeting disease-causing genes rather than relying solely on surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

16 Sep 2025

Can cannabis use disrupt women’s fertility? New study finds strong evidence

Researchers found that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, alters oocyte gene expression, spindle formation, and chromosome segregation, lowering embryo euploidy rates in IVF. This provides direct human evidence linking cannabis exposure to impaired female fertility outcomes.

10 Sep 2025

Key proteins found to shape sperm function and male fertility

There are many potential causes of infertility, and it can be challenging to pin down just what the problem is when a couple is having trouble getting pregnant.

10 Sep 2025

Ultra-processed foods affect sperm quality and metabolism even without extra calories

A controlled crossover trial in Cell Metabolism found that ultra-processed foods increase weight, fat mass, LDL:HDL cholesterol, and alter reproductive hormones in men, with some effects independent of calorie load. These diets also showed trends toward reduced sperm motility, shifts in pollutants, and transient inflammatory responses, highlighting risks beyond excess calories.

31 Aug 2025

Ultra-processed foods harm reproductive and metabolic health

Over the past 50 years, rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes have soared, while sperm quality has plummeted. Driving these changes could be the increasing popularity of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to a range of poor health outcomes.

28 Aug 2025

First comprehensive road map shows how the ovarian reserve forms in primates

UCLA scientists have developed the first comprehensive road map showing how the ovarian reserve forms in primates, providing crucial insights into women's health that could revolutionize treatments for infertility and hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.

26 Aug 2025

Promising new male birth control pill could be taken every three days

YCT-529, a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive, demonstrates safety and tolerability in early trials, offering a potential solution for male birth control.

28 Jul 2025

Sperm RNA profiles could identify the best embryos for IVF

Findings on sperm RNA suggest new biomarkers for IVF success, potentially improving embryo selection and reducing cycles needed for desired fertility outcomes.

21 Jul 2025

New data confirms efficacy of mitochondrial donation in preventing disease

The UK's pioneering licensed IVF technique to reduce the risk of mitochondrial diseases carried out in Newcastle has seen eight babies born, published research shows.

17 Jul 2025

OCT imaging sheds light on embryo transport mechanism in the oviduct

In a new mouse study, researchers have used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to uncover new insights into how the fallopian tube transports preimplantation embryos toward the uterus for pregnancy.

15 Jul 2025

Blood sugar levels found to impact sexual health in aging men

Metabolic health factors, including small increases in blood sugar, are the main drivers of change in the reproductive systems and sexual functioning of aging men, according to a study being presented Saturday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

12 Jul 2025

Vaping versus smoking’s impact on male fertility

A new study found that male E-cigarette users undergoing IVF had higher sperm motility and lower miscarriage rates compared to conventional smokers. However, E-cigarettes were not shown to be safe and further research is needed before recommending them for fertility.

6 Jul 2025

Study finds widespread microplastics in reproductive fluids, what it means for fertility

Microplastics have been detected in human reproductive fluids, with researchers finding them in 69% of female and 55% of male samples, raising concerns about potential effects on fertility. Although causality remains unproven, the findings prompt calls for reducing plastic exposure.

1 Jul 2025

Male age over 45 linked to higher miscarriage risk in IVF with donor eggs

A new international study presented today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) reveals that IVF cycles involving male partners over the age of 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates – even when young donor eggs are used.

30 Jun 2025