Fertilization is not random, and the fastest sperm does not always win: in reality, the egg decides who succeeds.
While for decades we were taught that fertilization is a race won by the fastest sperm, a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows how human reproduction actually works.
Scientists analyzed follicular fluid from 60 couples undergoing fertility treatment at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, UK. They discovered that the egg releases chemical signals (chemoattractants) that actively attract sperm from certain men over others.
Through these chemical signals, the egg exerts its own biological selection, influencing which sperm manage to get close. The egg appears to favor sperm that offer optimal genetic compatibility with its own genome — particularly in genes related to the immune system — which may help produce healthier offspring.
Interestingly, this cellular preference does not always align with the couple’s conscious partner choice. In many cases, eggs showed stronger attraction to sperm from non-partner males.
This chemical communication demonstrates that female biology continues to evaluate and select options even after intercourse. Understanding this process could lead to more precise solutions for unexplained infertility. Science continues to reveal the remarkable level of biological interaction that occurs during reproduction.
[Fitzpatrick, J. L. et al. (2020). Chemical signals from eggs facilitate cryptic female choice in humans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 287(1928), 20200805. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0805]
@AmazonMGMStudio I hear Stargate showrunners and customers alike are emotionally available for a canonical continuation of the beloved 17-year story after a 15-year hiatus.
@mouvement33 yeah it was removed because it was old and not functioning properly. And the pool was leaking. So it was fixed up like many other monuments and features in Washington.
I always hated filler episodes as a kid. Wasn't until I became an adult I appreciated the character development in those episodes. Apparently @Amazon and @AmazonMGMStudio never learned about character.
This episode is an absolute BANGER, Two Stargates on earth!
I swear the writers knew how to make smaller episodes in 1 location, save the budget for bigger episodes later. True Talent.
Episode 18: Solitudes #SaveStargate
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇩🇪 The U.S. is reportedly investigating Germany for making medicine and healthcare "too affordable."
"Germany is being pressured to raise prices, to 'prevent' the value of global drug prices from going down."
@AlexFinn The most powerful demo experience doesn't equal the most powerful technology in human history. Why does every AI tech bro sound like an AI enforcement loop?