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.

Cellular models of embryos offer insights into early developmental processes

The earliest days after fertilization, once a sperm cell meets an egg, are shrouded in scientific mystery.

20 Mar 2025

Low semen quality linked to shorter lifespan

Researchers determine how low semen quality may impact mortality risk.

10 Mar 2025

How tobacco and cannabis affect male fertility and genetic integrity

A study reveals cannabis and tobacco use harm sperm quality and DNA integrity, with cannabis causing greater damage, raising concerns for reproductive health.

6 Mar 2025

Semen quality linked to longevity in men

Men's semen quality is associated with how long they live according to a study of nearly 80,000 men, which is published today (Wednesday) in Human Reproduction, one of the world's leading reproductive medicine journals.

4 Mar 2025

Researchers uncover key biological mechanism that prevents sperm-egg fusion

A Yale-led research team has uncovered how a naturally occurring biological mechanism found in mammals is able to prevent sperm cells from interacting with an egg, preventing fertilization.

3 Mar 2025

Study unveils protein complex critical for sperm morphology

The human body is full of checks and balances that ensure correct growth, development, and function of all our different systems. Now, researchers from Japan have reported a newly discovered protein interaction that regulates sperm development.

3 Mar 2025

Groundbreaking studies reveal how DNA folding guides sperm cell development

Two new landmark studies show how a seeming tangle of DNA is actually organized into a structure that coordinates thousands of genes to form a sperm cell.

3 Mar 2025

Lack of regulation in sperm donation sparks concerns in Africa

Poor regulation and lack of transparency in Africa's fertility industry leave sperm donors and recipients vulnerable to exploitation and unethical practices, including relatives unwittingly having children together, fertility experts warn.

14 Feb 2025

Researchers achieve a promising breakthrough in bee insemination

Researchers from the University of Liège, as part of the FreezeBEE project, have achieved a promising breakthrough in bee insemination.

7 Feb 2025

Most insurance covers IUDs. Hers cost more than $14,000.

During her annual OB-GYN visit, Callie Anderson asked about getting off the birth control pill.

31 Jan 2025

Crick researchers identify key Y chromosome genes influencing sperm development

Researchers at the Crick have uncovered which genes on the Y chromosome regulate the development of sperm and impact fertility in male mice.

23 Jan 2025

Study unveils role of TLE6 in male sperm development

Infertility is a major global challenge associated with physiological and psychological impact. Genetic mutations that affect early embryonic development, oocyte (egg cell) maturation, and fertilization have recently been studied as causes of infertility.

16 Jan 2025

Could mulberry extract be the key to fighting obesity-induced reproductive dysfunction?

Research indicates mulberry extract's efficacy in addressing obesity-related male infertility, enhancing reproductive outcomes through bioactive compounds.

16 Jan 2025

Air pollution before conception may increase child BMI

In a study of more than 5,000 mothers and their children, exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy predicted higher child body mass index (BMI) and related obesity risk factors up to two years of age.

15 Jan 2025

IVF and ICSI pregnancies show higher exposure to teratogenic medicines

A new Australian study has revealed a potential reason why some pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may result in birth defects in comparison to naturally conceived pregnancies.

15 Jan 2025

AI reveals key follicle sizes to boost IVF success

Researchers utilize explainable artificial intelligence to identify follicle sizes important for relevant downstream clinical outcomes during assisted conception.

14 Jan 2025

Childhood stress impacts epigenetic profile of sperm and brain development

Childhood stress can impact the epigenetic profile of sperm. These results may also have practical implications for future generations through epigenetic inheritance, as many of the observed epigenetic associations are related to brain development.

8 Jan 2025

AI analysis reveals optimal follicle sizes for IVF success

During IVF treatment, doctors use ultrasound scans to monitor the size of follicles - small sacs in the ovaries containing eggs - to decide when to give a hormone injection known as the 'trigger' to prepare the eggs for collection and ensure that they are ready to be fertilised with sperm to create embryos.

8 Jan 2025

Y chromosome’s unexpected impact on aging and disease in men

Loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) in men, a dynamic mutation linked to aging, impairs immune function and increases risks of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target.

5 Jan 2025

Unveiling the role of gene inactivation in human disease

New work by Columbia researchers has turned a textbook principle of genetics on its head and revealed why some people who carry disease-causing genes experience no symptoms.

2 Jan 2025