The smart sperm

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Published on Wednesday, 06 February 2013 10:49

Danish researchers have published a curious study, according to which the spermatozoids are able to make some calculations to get to the egg.

Experts from Denmark have decided to follow the behavior of spermatozoids in a liquid medium, and found out that their movement is controlled by the concentration of calcium in the environment, which is particularly higher near the egg. In order to discover it the sperm cells must be able to notice any changes in the environment.

The researchers found out that male gametes were altering their path, adjusting to the speed of changing in calcium rate - figuratively speaking, they were behaving like a dog walking on the trail. However, for the moment the scientists can’t say with certainty, how exactly the sperm manage to cope with such a challenge.

Source: Journal of Cell Biology