Biology Experts

24/06/2025

Contrary to the common belief that s***m cells "race" to reach the egg and the fastest one wins, scientific studies suggest a far more selective and biologically orchestrated process.

Research in the fields of reproductive biology and cellular signaling indicates that the egg (or oocyte) releases specific chemical substances known as chemoattractants.

These molecules are designed to attract s***m cells by guiding their movement—a process called chemotaxis.

One well-studied chemoattractant is progesterone, which is released by cells surrounding the egg (called cumulus cells).

This chemical not only helps guide s***m but also modulates calcium ion channels in s***m tails, influencing their motility and steering them toward the egg.

The implication is that the egg doesn't passively wait but plays an active role in selecting which s***m reaches it, based on how the s***m responds to these signals.

Moreover, some studies suggest that eggs may preferentially attract s***m from genetically compatible males, potentially maximizing offspring fitness—an idea sometimes referred to as cryptic female choice at the gamete level.

This mechanism explains why not all s***m make it to the egg, and why simply being the "fastest" may not be enough if the s***m does not properly respond to the egg’s chemical cues.

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11/02/2025

A fisherman who was fishing east of the Farallon Islands (just outside of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California) spotted a whale who was fully entangled and bound in a fishing net. The fisherman radioed for help and within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that the whale was so badly tangled that the only way to save her was to dive in, cut the ropes and untangle her…. a very dangerous proposition as one slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently, thanking them. Some said that it was the most incredibly beautiful experience they had ever had.
The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the entire time and he will never be the same.
May you be so fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude. 🐳
📷Credit: Diem Jones

You'll also like this article 👉🏼 https://wonderae.com/the-unique-bond-between-a-whale-and-her-calf/

11/02/2025

During a camping trip last week, I saw a woodpecker hole in a distant dead tree. Using my camera, I confirmed it was a fledgling pileated woodpecker. I returned the next morning, braving high grass and waiting an hour. Despite the chigger bites, it was worth it to photograph the adults feeding their three hungry chicks.
Credit: Waldorff photography

11/02/2025

A woodpecker preparing for winter starts by finding a dead tree and meticulously making holes to store acorns. Each hole is carefully crafted; if it's too large, other birds can easily steal the acorns, and if it's too small, the acorns can break and spoil. By the end of summer, the woodpecker's precise work is complete. The ripened acorns are placed in the holes, with a single large tree trunk capable of holding around 50,000 acorns, ensuring the bird has enough food for a satisfying winter

Credits to the amazing Photographer.

11/02/2025

This is the heart of a Blue whale. Weighing in excess of 1,300 lbs (±600 kg), it is the size of a small car. The gigantic heart beats 8-10 times per minute, and each heartbeat can be heard from over 2 miles (3.2 km) away.

Credit: Royal Ontario Museum