Lilith
04-02-2003, 11:45 AM
submitted by gekkogecko
BERLIN (Reuters) - Human sperm become excited when exposed to the scent
of lily
of the valley, doubling their speed and homing in on the aroma, a German
scientist said on Wednesday.
Hans Hatt, a biology professor at Ruhr University in Bochum, said knowledge
about a newly discovered odor 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," Hatt, who
said the findings came after three years of study, told Reuters. "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
added.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Human sperm become excited when exposed to the scent
of lily
of the valley, doubling their speed and homing in on the aroma, a German
scientist said on Wednesday.
Hans Hatt, a biology professor at Ruhr University in Bochum, said knowledge
about a newly discovered odor 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," Hatt, who
said the findings came after three years of study, told Reuters. "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
added.