The invention encompasses a rapid and safe preparation method of sperm nuclei, improved sperm nuclei and a method of using the improved sperm nuclei to calibrate a flow cytometer with higher accuracy.

The invention consists of compositions and methods using low density lipoprotein to reduce agglutination and improve the health of sex-sorted sperm cells.

A multi-channel system for classifying particles in a mixture of particles according to one or more characteristics including a common source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam of electromagnetic radiation and a beam splitter for producing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation for directing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation to each interrogation location associated with each flow channel of the multi-channel system.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods of modulating abhydrolase domain-containing protein-2 (ABHD2). The present disclosure provides methods of identifying agents that modulate ABHD2 activity.

An object of the present invention is to provide an agent for enhancing fertilization function of a mammal sperm, which comprises a low molecular compound which can be produced relatively easily and inexpensively as an active ingredient, and a method for enhancing fertilization function of a mammal sperm and a method for preparing a mammal fertilized egg, which use a low molecular compound which can be produced relatively easily and inexpensively. An agent comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds of the following formula (I.sub.0), formula (II), and formula (III), and physiologically acceptable salts thereof when R.sup.3 is OH is used as an agent for enhancing fertilization function of a mammal sperm.

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Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in a sperm using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are provided. Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in an oocyte using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are also provided. Methods for altering an sRNA population in a sperm or an oocyte can be used to prevent, or reduce the severity of, a disease, disorder, or condition that would otherwise be inherited by progeny. For example, certain epigenetic inherited conditions due to paternal effects, such as certain metabolic and stress disorders and conditions, can be ameliorated in progeny using sperm or oocytes having an altered sRNA population.

Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and/or extending the lifespan of sperm by subjecting the isolated sperm to a starvation protocol and/or ionophore are provided. Such methods may be used in, for example, artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

The present invention relates to a SIRT1 activator for use in promoting and/or enhancing sperm capacitation process in mammals, a specific process for these cells. The disclosure also relates to a compound and a kit comprising the SIRT1 activator. The present invention further discloses the use of a commercially available SIRT1 activator, YK-3-237, as an additive or as a new ingredient to any sperm media already existing in the market to promote the sperm capacitation process, promoting fertilization in mammals.

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for making modified fish zygotes or early-stage fish embryos (particularly salmon zygotes and salmon embryos), wherein the process comprises (a) modifying the genome of the fish zygote or an early-stage fish embryo to eliminate functional expression of a germ cell survival factor gene (e.g. dead-end, dnd)\ and (b) introducing functional protein or RNA encoded by the germ cell survival factor gene into the zygote or early-stage embryo. The invention also provides fish zygotes, fish embryos, juvenile fish, mature fish and sterile fish which are produced by the processes of the invention.

This invention relates to devices and methods for purifying, detecting and using biological cells. A variety of cell types including viable tumor, stem, immune and sperm cells can be purified from a complex biological sample using a column, including a pipette tip column. Methods of the invention can aid research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Purified viable cells can be detected on the column or eluted from the column and detected. Cells on a column can be used as a stationary phase for liquid chromatography. Cells may be removed, recovered and analyzed.