Sperm News and Research

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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.

Research findings could provide framework for understanding fertilization mechanism

A Japanese research group has determined the crystal structure of the JUNO protein, an egg surface protein essential for fertilization. These structure-based mutational analyses elucidated a mechanism of the interaction between egg (JUNO protein) and sperm (IZUMO1) on a molecular level.

9 Aug 2016

New study analyzes evolution of epigenetic mechanisms from bacteria to humans

After the emergence of single-celled organisms some billions of years ago, nature started experimenting with how to diversify gene function without changing the sequence of the DNA, such that the blue print remains conserved, but allows gene products to have different functions.

4 Aug 2016

Scientists test endometrial scratching technique in first-time IVF attempters

A NEW simple procedure which involves gently scratching the lining of the womb in the month before IVF treatment, potentially improving treatment success, is being tested on first-time IVF attempters in a groundbreaking study.

3 Aug 2016

Biologists discover male-harming mtDNA mutant that substantiates mother's curse hypothesis

There is new evidence that the "mother's curse" - the possibility that moms may transmit genes to their children that harm their sons but not their daughters - holds true in animals.

3 Aug 2016

Urologist sheds light on things that can be done to combat infertility

Urologist Dr. Jesse Mills believes not enough attention is paid to male infertility. He wants to shine a light on the causes of infertility and the things that can be done to combat the condition.

29 Jul 2016

MES announces global release of two new semen analysis products

Medical Electronic Systems today announced the worldwide release of two new products to supplement its full line of Automated and Manual semen analysis solutions.

22 Jul 2016

Huntington's disease monkey model embodies full array of symptoms similar to human patients

Transgenic Huntington's disease monkeys display a full spectrum of symptoms resembling the human disease, ranging from motor problems and neurodegeneration to emotional dysregulation and immune system changes, scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University report.

21 Jul 2016

UCLA urologist debunks 5 common myths about vasectomies

Men can be very concerned about what happens during, and after, a vasectomy - specifically how it will affect them personally. Dr. Jesse Mills, a clinical professor of urology and director of The Men's Clinic at UCLA, says the many myths surrounding the procedure can make men rethink what is often a smart choice for them.

20 Jul 2016

Scientists discover network of flows that distribute messenger substances in the brain

We have all bumped our heads at some point, and such incidents are usually harmless. This is thanks to fluid-filled chambers in our brain that offset minor knocks and jolts and provide padding for sensitive components of our nervous system.

11 Jul 2016

QUT study finds age and education may influence women in selecting sperm donors

With commercial sperm banking giving women more opportunities to become mothers, a world-first QUT study has found the age and education of sperm donors are the most important characteristics considered.

7 Jul 2016

Prenatal butylparaben exposure causes various endocrine disrupting effects in rats

Research suggests that butylparaben - which is used in cosmetics and skin care products such as sunscreen - have more endocrine disrupting effects than previously thought.

7 Jul 2016

Immobilisation after intrauterine insemination has no beneficial effect on pregnancy rates in women

Despite the positive results of small studies and a widely held belief in its benefit, the practice of keeping female patients immobilised after intrauterine insemination has no beneficial effect on pregnancy rates, according to results of a large randomised study presented here at the Annual Meeting of ESHRE in Helsinki.

5 Jul 2016

Early detection, treatment key to testicular cancer cure

When women feel a lump in their breast, they usually seek medical attention within a few weeks. Yet men who notice something abnormal in a testicle typically don't see a doctor for two to three months.

30 Jun 2016

Testosterone therapy improves sexual activity in older men

Older men with low libido and low testosterone levels showed more interest in sex and engaged in more sexual activity when they underwent testosterone therapy, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

30 Jun 2016

Math professor develops scientific model to report ways Zika virus proliferates

A University of Miami math professor has developed a scientific model to address the various ways the Zika virus proliferates. The study, published June 17, 2016 in Scientific Reports, reveals that mosquito control should remain the most important mitigation method to control the virus.

29 Jun 2016

Positive environment can reverse trauma-related behavioral alterations in mice

Traumatic experiences in childhood increase the risk of developing behavioral and psychiatric disorders later in life. It is also known that the consequences of a trauma can likewise be observed in the children of people affected even if those children have themselves not experienced any trauma.

24 Jun 2016

Mice study shows influence of dad's obesity on daughter’s body weight and breast cancer risk

Obese male mice and normal weight female mice produce female pups that are overweight at birth through childhood, and have delayed development of their breast tissue as well as increased rates of breast cancer.

24 Jun 2016

Sperm of smokers has greater extent of DNA damage than that of non-smokers

A recent study found that that sperm of men who smoke has a greater extent of DNA damage than that of non-smokers.

22 Jun 2016

Researcher aims to develop easy-to-use, inexpensive sperm sorting devices to help infertile couples

The competition is fierce and only the strongest survive the obstacle course within the female reproductive tract. Of the millions of sperm that enter the vagina, only about 10 or so make it to the oocyte or egg, demonstrating how rigorous the natural sperm selection process really is.

17 Jun 2016

ISSCR releases updated guidelines for stem cell research, development of new therapies

The International Society for Stem Cell Research, the world's largest professional organization of stem cell scientists, today released newly updated guidelines for stem cell research and the development of new clinical therapies.

13 May 2016