JAN 24, 2016 7:31 AM PST

Motorized

WRITTEN BY: Xuan Pham

Researchers from the Institute for Integrative Nanosciences at IFW Dresden in Germany have successfully engineered a tiny, magnetically driven, remote controlled "power suit" that can give sperm a super boost all the way to its target - the egg.

The "spermbot," as it is dubbed, consists of a metal coil that's wrapped around the tail of the sperm. A magnetic field controls its rotation, which propels the sperm foward. Once successful contact is made with the egg, the ‘bot reverses direction to release the sperm.

This could be the next-generation in assisted reproduction techniques. The "spermbots" could be the answer for one of the biggest causes of infertility: low sperm motility. Many kinks still have to be worked out before these "spermbot" outfits make it to the clinic; however, it is a good step forward for fertility options.

Watch the video to see these spermbots in action.
About the Author
Doctorate (PhD)
I am a human geneticist, passionate about telling stories to make science more engaging and approachable. Find more of my writing at the Hopkins BioMedical Odyssey blog and at TheGeneTwist.com.
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