Kyoto University Researchers Uncover Unique Mechanism Behind Sperm Movement in Viscous Fluids

Bewerkt door: Vera Mo

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a unique mechanism that enables sperm cells to navigate through viscous fluids efficiently. This finding challenges traditional physics principles and opens new avenues for technological innovations.

The study, published in the journal PRX Life, reveals that sperm cells employ a distinctive movement pattern that allows them to propel forward without generating the expected equal and opposite reaction from the surrounding fluid. This behavior appears to defy Newton's third law of motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

By analyzing the movement of human sperm and green algae, the researchers identified that the flagella—tail-like appendages of these cells—bend in a way that minimizes energy loss. This bending pattern, termed "odd elasticity," enables the cells to move through dense fluids with reduced resistance.

This discovery has significant implications for the development of micro-robots and bio-engineering applications. Understanding the principles behind sperm motility could lead to the creation of small, efficient machines capable of navigating complex environments, such as the human body or intricate industrial settings.

While the study provides valuable insights into cellular movement, further research is needed to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential applications in medicine and technology.

Bronnen

  • thetimes.gr

  • Phys.org

  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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