A species that transports the spermatia of red algae is the first known instance of an animal facilitating fertilization in this ancient photosynthetic lineage.

See some of the coolest images recently featured by The Scientist

Nearly all mouse sperm have hooks on their heads. But new research suggests the structures slow them down—so what exactly is their purpose?

The University of East Anglia researcher was best known for his contributions to the study of sexual selection, particularly post-copulatory sperm competition.

Researchers report they were able to make functional sperm in a dish, a feat previously only possible for mice.

Beyond The Scientist’s coverage of COVID-19’s molecular underpinnings were many other stories highlighting the advances made in scientists’ understanding of the biology of cells.

Rather than relying on samples that need to be shipped in glass vials and on ice, researchers have developed a new method that allows mouse sperm to be sent easily at room temperature using standard mail delivery.

The sperm, belonging to a tiny marine crustacean, dates back nearly 100 million years, making it the most ancient animal sperm found to date.

In human male-female pairs with a less similar suite of genes for human leukocyte antigens, sperm fare better when exposed to cervical mucus.

Cellular innards can reorganize themselves to form structures similar to cells.

Proteins that synthesize, bind, and degrade endocannabinoids are present in the body’s sperm factories, suggesting that the use of cannabis may directly affect them.

Groups of corals release all of their eggs and sperm once a year, but the timing of their spawning is under threat from climate change.

Scientists track the movement of sperm flagella.

Asexual female nematodes use their male offsprings’ sperm to fertilize eggs, but cast away their genes.

Videos reveal how a female squid fertilizes her eggs—one at a time and without spilling much stored sperm.

For flycatchers, the attractiveness of male birds is tied to the length of their sperm.

The artificially motorized cells may one day help fight cancers in the female reproductive tract.

A project aims to preserve samples of the climate change–vulnerable animals for future restoration.