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Magnetic sperm and the ugliest shark: science stories of the week
From a lupus breakthrough to why humans naturally move anticlockwise, here are the most interesting scientific developments of the week
‘Spermageddon’: is the world facing a male reproductive crisis?
Reports of falling sperm counts and testosterone levels have fuelled fears over chemicals, pollution and modern lifestyles. But how much do scientists agree on what is affecting male fertility?
How to speak whale
Can AI decode sperm whale language? A Northeastern physicist explains how Project CETI pairs whale clicks with dive data.
Research roundup: 7 cool science stories we almost missed
Sperm gets lost in space; raccoons solve puzzles; the physics of folding a crepe; and more.
The Embryos That Don't Come From Eggs and Sperm
Human embryo models can provide a powerful window into the earliest stages of life. But how far should they go?
Lab-Grown Sperm?! Cool Science or Sci-Fi Gone Wild
A biotech startup claims it’s created human sperm in a lab—sparking equal parts excitement, skepticism, and “wait… should we be doing this?”
Male fertility rates crash as doctors reveal health threats: 'Something very wrong'
Male fertility issues spark debate, as studies show conflicting results on sperm counts. Experts reveal the complex reality behind declining birth rates.
Scientists spotted female sperm whales working together during a birth to protect the calf
Scientists have captured rare footage of a sperm whale giving birth, offering a window into the large mammals' behavior.
Can stress affect sperm? What men should know about fertility
Most men know stress can affect the libido. But they don’t realize stress may also affect sperm health. Here’s what men can do to produce healthy sperm.
Can keeping your phone in your pocket harm sperm health? Doctor explains what the science says
The idea that carrying a phone in your pocket might affect fertility sounds like the kind of health scare that spreads faster than the science behind it. According to Dr.
Lost in space: Microgravity makes sperm lose their sense of direction
Making babies in space may be more complicated than expected, as new research shows sperm struggle to navigate in microgravity. Scientists found that while sperm can still swim normally, they lose their sense of direction without gravity, making it harder to reach and fertilize an egg. In lab experiments simulating space conditions, far fewer sperm successfully made it through a maze designed to mimic the reproductive tract, and fertilization rates in mice dropped by about 30%.
Mutant Sperm Are Waging a Fierce Survival-of-the-Fittest Battle Inside Men's Testicles
Darwin would be so proud.
Health Ministry tightens oversight as demand for sperm donations surges
Health Ministry updates sperm bank rules as demand rises and fewer people donate, capping families per donor at 12, tightening genetic screening, and new import standards to improve safe donations.
Are sperm counts really dropping worldwide? A urologist explains why it’s complicated
Large studies have reported falling sperm counts, but the findings vary across populations. A urologist explains what the results mean for individual men.
GLP-1s may help –– not harm –– male fertility
Not only are GLP-1 medications likely not harmful to male fertility, but they may help improve testosterone levels, sperm health and production, study says.
Air pollution may be changing sperm
Harmful nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels could affect fertility and pregnancies.
Finding 'hidden sperm': AI offers hope to men previously told they were infertile
Millions of men experience azoospermia, where they produce little to no sperm. A new AI-powered technique offers hope to couples looking to have children.
‘And then we saw the little head.’ Scientists witness rare sperm whale birth
Few people have been lucky enough to see a whale birth, with the last one witnessed decades ago. Now, two major papers describe a 2023 birth captured by researchers.
This breakthrough could finally unlock male birth control
Scientists at Michigan State University have uncovered the molecular “switch” that powers sperm for their final, high-speed dash toward an egg. By tracking how sperm use glucose as fuel, the team discovered how dormant cells suddenly flip into overdrive, burning energy in a carefully controlled, multi-step process. A key enzyme, aldolase, helps convert sugar into the burst of power needed for fertilization, while other enzymes act like traffic controllers directing the flow of fuel.
Sperm quality is at its peak in the summer, study finds
Seasonal shifts in behavior — not temperature — may subtly influence sperm motility. Whether this variation in sperm quality influences fertility remains to be seen.
Sperm get lost in space, Australian research into microgravity impacts suggests
Study into how fertilisation could work in space finds sperm may get disorientated when trying to find an egg
Salmon sperm to bird droppings: The science behind bizarre skincare rituals
A flurry of bizarre skincare rituals are trending on social media. But does the scientific research suggest they can be taken at face value?
GLP-1s may help –– not harm –– male fertility
Not only are GLP-1 medications likely not harmful to male fertility, but they may help improve testosterone levels, sperm health and production, study says.
5 captivating images from National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year
‘Individually, these photographs speak to beauty, fragility, and wonder.’
Scientists Discover a Hidden RNA “Aging Clock” in Human Sperm
The molecular contents of sperm go through similar shifts over time in both mice and humans, which may lead to a rapid, dramatic shift at mid-life.
The Sperm-Maxxing Bros Are Actually Onto Something
Wellness influencers have stumbled onto a huge issue when it comes male fertility, though not every solution they're pitching is good advice.
Salmon sperm to bird droppings: The science behind bizarre skincare rituals
A flurry of bizarre skincare rituals are trending on social media. But does the scientific research suggest they can be taken at face value?
What could alien life look like? These Earthlings offer clues.
Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life.
Scientists watch sperm whales work as a team to assist a birth
An unprecedented look at the birth of a sperm whale found that mother and calf were supported by other whales throughout the process.
Underwater robot tracks sperm whale conversations in real time
Understanding how they communicate remained difficult because these marine mammals dive to depths of more than a mile for around 50 minutes each hour.
Scientists discover a hidden RNA 'aging clock' in human sperm
Increasing paternal age has been linked to elevated health risks for the next generation, including higher risks of obesity and stillbirth. But what drives this increased risk remains unknown.
Magnetic sperm and the ugliest shark: science stories of the week
From a lupus breakthrough to why humans drift left when they walk, here are the most interesting scientific developments of the week
This common habit could be quietly hurting men’s fertility, experts warn
Experts warn that cannabis use can negatively affect male fertility by lowering sperm count and quality, but the effects may be reversible over time.
Scientists are deep-freezing koala eggs and sperm to protect the species from extinction
Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia want to freeze koala sex cells in liquid nitrogen, which could preserve the DNA for decades until we need it, an expert said.
The Growth of the Upper Middle Class, a Focus on Sperm Health and the Workers Shunning AI | WSJ Weekend Reads for April 11
Plus, a focus on sperm health, the workers shunning AI and making golf a family affair
Watch sperm whale headbutt another for no apparent reason
Researchers have captured extraordinary footage of sperm whales randomly headbutting each other, confirming anecdotal reports from mariners and whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Sperm Health Industry, Inside the World of MAHA Moms and America’s Record Low Fertility Rate | WSJ Health for April 10
Plus, a look inside the world of MAHA moms and why America’s fertility rate is falling
Blowing bubbles helps resting sperm whales avoid floating to the surface
They are the only whales known to rest vertically in the water, with their heads pointing upward.
Sunlight Boosts Fertility? What Scientists Have Discovered Will Surprise You - Futura-Sciences
Vitamin D, Sunlight, and Sperm: Digging Into the Science A meta-analysis published in the journal Biomedicines reviewed several observational studies that all pointed to a significant link between vitamin D levels—which are mainly produced in humans through sunlight exposure—and sperm characteristics. These studies also suggested a connection between higher blood...
A mysterious organ in the sperm whale's head gives it the power to sink ships
A survivor of the shipwreck that inspired the novel Moby Dick had a theory about how a sperm whale could destroy a vessel many times its size – 200 years later, he's been proved right.
Sci-Fi or Science? Paterna Bio Claims Lab-Grown Sperm and Embryos are a Reality
Is the future of fatherhood found in a petri dish? Startup Paterna Bio claims to have grown human sperm in a lab from scratch, even using it to create early-stage embryos. While it offers hope for infertility, critics warn of a "dangerous notion" that messes with Mother Nature.
Could a whale really swallow a human? We asked a biologist.
The new thriller ‘Whalefall’ depicts a diver trapped inside of a sperm whale.
Inside a Rare Sperm Whale Birth Reshaping How Scientists Understand Animal Cooperation
Two new studies from Project CETI provide the most detailed account of a sperm whale birth ever recorded, revealing coordinated care, complex communication and new clues about the evolution of cooperation in one of the ocean’s most intelligent mammals.
How gene loss and monogamy built termite mega societies
Termites did not evolve complex societies by adding new genetic features. Instead, scientists found that they became more social by shedding genes tied to competition and independence. A shift to monogamy removed the need for sperm competition, while food sharing shaped who became workers or future kings and queens. Together, these changes helped termites build colonies that can number in the millions.
Scientists Filmed a Whale Birth. The Surprise: Mom Had Many Helpers.
The episode, involving a group of sperm whales, adds to evidence that humans aren’t the only species that gets some form of assistance during and after delivery.
Scientists discover reversible male birth control that stops sperm production
Scientists at Cornell University may be closing in on the long-sought “holy grail” of male contraception: a safe, reversible, nonhormonal method that completely halts sperm production. In a breakthrough mouse study, researchers used a compound called JQ1 to temporarily shut down meiosis—the critical process that produces sperm—without causing lasting harm. After treatment stopped, sperm production bounced back, fertility returned, and the animals produced healthy offspring.
Scientists Study Whether Humans Could Reproduce In Space
As plans for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars move forward, scientists are studying whether humans reproduce beyond Earth.
Sperm whales blow bubbles to help them nap
The large toothed whales are known for their signature vertical sleeping skills.
Research roundup: 6 cool science stories we almost missed
Also: Cyborg diving suits for cockroaches, why sleepy sperm whales blow bubbles, Betelgeuse's companion star.
Combining science and community knowledge could shape coral reef conservation in Indonesia
Coral reefs in Indonesia's Spermonde Archipelago are under pressure from both natural and anthropogenic activities. Researchers from Hasanuddin University assessed reef conditions across three islands ...
How a freelancer pitched a story about sperm freezing to Popular Science
Freelancer Julia Daye’s commitment to attending in-person media events paid off by inspiring a successful pitch to Popular Science.
This Korean Skin Care Ingredient Fills Wrinkles Like Magic
PDRN is the much-talked-about ingredient that boosts collagen, and yes, comes from the sperm of salmon.
Men Are Obsessed With Their Sperm Health, and Brands Are Cashing In
Wellness brands are fueling a growing demand for male-fertility products, selling supplements and sperm-testing kits.
New Penn Vet research moves science closer to a solution to male infertility
By converting human skin or blood cells into stem cells and coaxing them into early-stage human sperm cells, researchers are furthering the understanding of how sperm cells are formed.
'Surreal' moment as scientists capture rare video of sperm whale birth
Rare footage of a sperm whale giving birth has offered scientists a window into the behaviour of these large, elusive mammals.
HHS Cancels Infant Mortality, Postpartum Grants to Focus on Sperm Counts, ED
Officials at the Office of Minority Health told grantees that they’re prioritizing “root causes” of infertility and promoting exercise.
New Health Ministry guidelines: Sperm bank donations from one donor limited to 12 families
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Could a whale swallow a human, “Whalefall” style?
In the new movie “Whalefall,” a scuba diver has a very bad day in the guts of a sperm whale. Could it actually happen?
Scientists spotted female sperm whales working together during a birth to protect the calf
Scientists have captured rare footage of a sperm whale giving birth, offering a window into the large mammals' behavior.
Lost in space: Human sperm can’t find their way without gravity
Zero gravity, zero destination
A mysterious organ in the sperm whale's head gives it the power to sink ships
A survivor of the shipwreck that inspired the novel Moby Dick had a theory about how a sperm whale could destroy a vessel many times its size – 200 years later, he's been proved right.
Why Everything Scientists Thought About Fertilization Timing Was Just Proven Wrong - Futura-Sciences
What if Temperature Is the Real Key to Male Fertility? Did you ever stop and wonder why testicles are located outside the human body? Well, it’s not for the sake of making gym shorts more interesting. The real reason is that sperm cells aren’t fans of heat – they thrive...
This hand-drawn game is like a retro cartoon set in the deteriorating body of a middle-aged man
Oh, My Doug even features talking sperm cell.
RFK Jr. Says Men in the '70s Had Twice as Much Sperm as Teenage Boys Today: 'Existential Crisis'
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. characterized the United States' declining birth rate as an "existential crisis," claiming that men in the 1970s had "twice the sperm count" as teenagers today during a White House event on maternal health on Monday, May 11.
In March 2025, a baby colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat for the first time, a translucent animal about a foot long drifting 1,968 feet down near the South Sandwich Islands. The species was named a century earlier from two arm crowns recovered from a sperm whale's stomach.
A century after scientists named this deep-sea giant from whale stomach contents, a camera finally captured one alive—and it looked nothing like expected.
Suds & Science
Ever thought that learning would be more fun with a cold drink in hand? We've got you covered! Suds & Science brings scientists face-to-face with the public at local neighborhood bars for a night of learning, drinking, and community that you won't want to miss! Highlights: - Fun and informative lectures from STEM professionals - Lively discussions between scientists and audiences - Connection with your community in a laid-back environment "Tentacle Tinder: How Cephalopods Decide When to Swipe Right" Cephalopods (the class of mollusks that includes octopuses, squids, cuttlefishes, and nautiluses) are renowned for their complex cognitive abilities and for their remarkable capacities to rapidly alter their body patterns for camouflage and communication. But behind the scenes, things get even stranger. Nearly all cephalopod females mate with multiple males and can store sperm for weeks to months. That means each female carries a tiny archive of potential fathers. So the big question becomes: when everyone is competing for a spot in that archive, how do cephalopod females decide who to mate with, and can they control whose sperm ultimately fertilizes their eggs? About the Speaker Theodora is a PhD student in Marine Biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Prior to starting at SIO, Theodora researched chronic reproductive pain conditions in New York, created marine science multimedia as a science communication intern at Point Reyes National Seashore, and studied cephalopod neuroethology as a research intern at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Theodora currently studies the evolutionary and behavioral dynamics of female choice in cephalopods, with a focus on local California market squid. When she’s not doing research or underwater, Theodora can usually be found listening to or singing classical music. Fleet Science Center on Facebook / Instagram
How combining science and community knowledge could shape coral reef conservation in Indonesia
Coral reefs in Indonesia’s Spermonde Archipelago are under pressure from both natural and anthropogenic activities. Researchers from Hasanuddin University assessed reef conditions across three islands using underwater photography and drone surveys, while also gathering local perspectives on reef conditions and restoration. They found greater live coral cover in clearer waters but limited community readiness to participate in conservation efforts, suggesting that training and institutional support could strengthen local communities’ role in protecting these natural treasures.