Lilith
04-11-2003, 07:06 AM
Sperm turned on by lily of the valley
Human sperm becomes excited when exposed to the scent of lily of the valley, doubling their speed and homing in on the aroma, a German scientist said.
Hans Hatt, a biology professor at Ruhr University in Bochum, said knowledge about a newly discovered odour receptor on the sperm's surface could enable researchers to devise alternative contraception methods or ways to boost fertility.
"This is the first time sperm has been shown to respond to smell," Professor Hatt said, with the findings came after three years of study.
"The application of the substances in a salve to the vaginal area could raise the chance of conceiving."
He said receptors in the sperm's membranes are attracted to two chemical compounds, cyclamal and bourgeonal, used in the cosmetics industry to imitate the plant's smell.
Another compound, undecanal, was found to block the attraction and could be used for contraceptive ends, he said.
Human sperm becomes excited when exposed to the scent of lily of the valley, doubling their speed and homing in on the aroma, a German scientist said.
Hans Hatt, a biology professor at Ruhr University in Bochum, said knowledge about a newly discovered odour receptor on the sperm's surface could enable researchers to devise alternative contraception methods or ways to boost fertility.
"This is the first time sperm has been shown to respond to smell," Professor Hatt said, with the findings came after three years of study.
"The application of the substances in a salve to the vaginal area could raise the chance of conceiving."
He said receptors in the sperm's membranes are attracted to two chemical compounds, cyclamal and bourgeonal, used in the cosmetics industry to imitate the plant's smell.
Another compound, undecanal, was found to block the attraction and could be used for contraceptive ends, he said.