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.

Protein cleavage mechanism sheds light on severe childhood ciliopathies

New research by Sumeda Nandadasa, PhD, reveals how a key protein associated with Meckel-Gruber syndrome, nephronophthisis, Joubert syndrome and other ciliopathies is cut in half to perform two separate functions, both of which are fundamental to the healthy development of children.

27 Jun 2025

California’s much-touted IVF law may be delayed until 2026, leaving many in the lurch

California lawmakers are poised to delay the state's much-ballyhooed new law mandating in vitro fertilization insurance coverage for millions, set to take effect July 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked lawmakers to push the implementation date to January 2026, leaving patients, insurers, and employers in limbo.

25 Jun 2025

Mediterranean diet boosts sperm health while ultra-processed foods lower fertility, study finds

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to improved sperm parameters in men, while high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer semen quality. These associations are strongest in men with normal FSH levels, suggesting dietary patterns may influence male fertility.

23 Jun 2025

Wayne State researchers investigate PFAS impact on male fertility

A new grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help Wayne State University researchers explore potential connections between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and adverse effects on male reproductive health.

17 Jun 2025

AI and film animation tools lead to breakthrough in coronavirus drug discovery

About 30% of all respiratory tract infections are caused by coronaviruses, leading to widespread illnesses and, in some cases, to epidemic and even pandemic outbreaks, as we experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

13 Jun 2025

Study explores whether female odor-based mating preferences could predict gamete-level compatibility

Published in Heredity, a recent study led by the University of Eastern Finland explored sexual selection in humans by investigating whether female odour-based mating preferences could predict how compatible male and female gametes are.

9 Jun 2025

Early teen obesity in boys may affect the health of future generations

A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function.

27 May 2025

Rare cancer gene found in sperm donor sparks European regulatory concerns

A case in which a sperm donor was later found to be carrying a cancer-causing pathogenic variant in his gametes has highlighted the problems of regulating gamete donation at European and international level, the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics will hear today (Saturday).

23 May 2025

Cutting back on sugary drinks may protect men’s fertility, review finds

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with lower sperm count, motility, and increased DNA damage, potentially impairing male reproductive health. This narrative review highlights dose-response effects, mechanisms, and research gaps, calling for further studies on diverse populations.

22 May 2025

New genetic mutation linked to increased prostate cancer risk in Ashkenazi Jewish men

Identifying and classifying gene mutations - which are the permanent changes in a person's DNA genetic code - are critical in better understanding, and with research, eventually treating or preventing, the diseases with which they are linked.

21 May 2025

Discovery unravels two populations of gonadotrophs in the pituitary gland

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shown that gonadotrophs, cells in the pituitary gland with a key role in puberty and reproduction, come from two different populations, with the majority produced after birth rather than in the embryo, as previously thought.

21 May 2025

Sucralose disrupts male fertility by damaging sperm and altering hormones in animal study

Researchers found that chronic sucralose exposure in male rats disrupted reproductive hormones, damaged sperm, and impaired testicular function through oxidative stress and autophagy dysregulation. These findings raise concerns about the reproductive risks of high sucralose intake and its persistent presence in the environment.

19 May 2025

Simple oral swab test could revolutionize IVF success rates

About 15 per cent of all couples of reproductive age are involuntarily childless. A major reason why so many need assisted reproduction is that nowadays more and more people are putting off starting a family.

13 May 2025

Low phosphate levels may help explain male infertility, study finds

Men with fertility problems were significantly more likely to have low blood phosphate levels, a mineral essential for energy and reproductive function. Researchers found lower phosphate was linked to poorer sperm motility, suggesting a possible pathway for new fertility treatments.

10 May 2025

Heat triggers sperm activation for fertilization in mammals

In mammals - including us humans - sperm are surprisingly picky about temperature, thriving best in conditions a few degrees cooler than normal body temperature.

2 May 2025

New DNA mapping technology uncovers genetic clues to rare diseases

Cutting-edge DNA mapping technology identified new genetic information that can help researchers decipher more genetic diseases, a new study found.

25 Apr 2025

COVID-19 lowers sperm count and motility, new study confirms

SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to significant declines in sperm quality, including reduced sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation, as shown in both cross-sectional and longitudinal observations.

24 Apr 2025

Epigenetic flexibility helps embryos avoid developmental errors

An international research team led by Helmholtz Munich has, for the first time, provided a detailed insight into how the spatial organization of genetic material is established in the cell nucleus of early embryos within the first hours after fertilization.

23 Apr 2025

Zinc found in glassware may impair embryo development in IVF

The research team discovered that glassware used to manipulate and culture fertilized eggs in the fields of assisted reproductive technology (ART), livestock farming, and basic research contains toxic substances that interfere with the development of fertilized eggs (embryos).

18 Apr 2025