Sperm Get Lost in Microgravity, And It Could Seriously Impact Space Travel

Sperm navigation sperm had reduced success navigating the channel under simulated microgravity observed by Adelaide University researchers using a 3D clinostat.

Experimental equipment researchers simulated microgravity on Earth using a 3D clinostat the device rotates samples so they lack a sense of up or down.

Animal models human, pig, and rodent sperm all showed reduced channel navigation success in microgravity the effect was seen across the three species tested.

Sperm motility did not change under simulated microgravity despite navigation loss researchers reported direction loss was not due to altered motility.

Progesterone treatment progesterone chemical cues enabled human sperm to reach the maze end in microgravity a strong chemical trail allowed navigation despite lack of gravity.