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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.

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

Seasonal air pollution found to undermine IVF success

Exposure to fine particulate matter during fertility treatment windows—especially in winter—negatively impacts pregnancy and live birth rates

17 Apr 2025

Small antibody fragment shows potential for non-hormonal contraception

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows how a small antibody fragment can block fertilization by targeting a key protein on the surface of the egg.

15 Apr 2025

Your season of conception could shape your body’s calorie-burning ability

Being conceived in colder months may enhance your body’s ability to burn calories throughout life. A new study shows cold-season conception is linked to more active brown fat and greater energy expenditure in adulthood.

8 Apr 2025

Study reveals the genetic arms race between X and Y sperm

In evolutionary terms, fitness is defined as an organism's ability to survive and reproduce its genes into the next generation.

4 Apr 2025

Exploring the relationship between testosterone and men's health

The review article titled"Testosterone and men's health: An in-depth exploration of their relationship", was published on February 18, 2025 in UroPrecision.

2 Apr 2025

Study finds 24-hour fasting cycles enhance libido in male mice

Long-term fasting in 24-hour cycles increases the sex drive of male mice by lowering the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.

28 Mar 2025

Sperm viability boosted in IVF with glycan technology

The success of in vitro fertilization depends on many factors, one of which is sperm viability. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign documents a new way to select viable sperm and prolong their viability in the laboratory, reducing one source of variability during the process.

24 Mar 2025