xThe unequal division of the extra household labour brought by lockdown could see gender inequality rise and foster more social conservatism. The project using roundworms uncovered a mechanism that leads to male infertility caused by high temperatures. The phenomenon of heat-induced male infertility is well known, and the effects of modern exposures to heat such as hot tubs, tight clothing and excessive drive times have been extensively studied. The underlying mechanisms that damage sperm and impair fertilization are not completely understood. x“In both humans and C. elegans, relatively small increases in temperature are sufficient to reduce male fertility,” said Libuda.

Source: The Guardian November 23, 2020 03:45 UTC