Medgadget Sperm Article #302: A microscope slide of sperm is a chaotic mess of swimming tadpole-like cells. Seeking to tame the spermy anarchy, Oliver Schmidt’s team at the Institute for Integrative Nanosciences in Germany reportedly found a way. First, they obtained a sample of unsuspecting bull sperm. Then, utilizing ferromagnetic microtubes, they were able to trap individual sperm cells. Once inside the tube-shaped sperm cage, the flagella is able to propel the sperm-tube complex forward. Utilizing external magnetic fields the team was able to control this contraption to effectively maneuver the genetic submarine around.
The technology holds promise for targeted therapies and diagnostics within the body, in addition to giving bloggers a comedy gold mine.
See what Stephen Colbert thinks: Cheating Death – Magnetized Sperm & Health Technology…
Study in Advanced Materials: Development of a Sperm-Flagella Driven Micro-Bio-Robot
(hat tip: Engadget)