If
you have ever taken a class about evolution, chances are you have had
it sufficiently beaten into your head that “survival of the fittest” has
everything to do with reproductive fitness, and nothing to do with
physical fitness. However, new research from Harvard shows that the two
might be more connected than previously thought.
Male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 22 were asked to give a
sperm sample, as well as information about activity levels. Individuals
who spent 15 hours a week doing moderate or high intensity exercise had
sperm counts over 70% higher than their most sedentary counterparts. It
is theorized that being seated for extended periods of time heats the
scrotum, creating an unfavorable environment for the sperm.
Future research from the lab will seek to determine if increased
activity will increase sperm production, though they caution against
excessive exercising, as it has previously been shown to decrease sperm
count.
For more information:
http://www.ajc.com/news/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Photo credit: Science Photo Library
If
you have ever taken a class about evolution, chances are you have had
it sufficiently beaten into your head that “survival of the fittest” has
everything to do with reproductive fitness, and nothing to do with
physical fitness. However, new research from Harvard shows that the two
might be more connected than previously thought.
Male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 22 were asked to give a sperm sample, as well as information about activity levels. Individuals who spent 15 hours a week doing moderate or high intensity exercise had sperm counts over 70% higher than their most sedentary counterparts. It is theorized that being seated for extended periods of time heats the scrotum, creating an unfavorable environment for the sperm.
Future research from the lab will seek to determine if increased activity will increase sperm production, though they caution against excessive exercising, as it has previously been shown to decrease sperm count.
For more information:
http://www.ajc.com/news/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Photo credit: Science Photo Library
Male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 22 were asked to give a sperm sample, as well as information about activity levels. Individuals who spent 15 hours a week doing moderate or high intensity exercise had sperm counts over 70% higher than their most sedentary counterparts. It is theorized that being seated for extended periods of time heats the scrotum, creating an unfavorable environment for the sperm.
Future research from the lab will seek to determine if increased activity will increase sperm production, though they caution against excessive exercising, as it has previously been shown to decrease sperm count.
For more information:
http://www.ajc.com/news/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Photo credit: Science Photo Library
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