Recently, there have been advances in scientific research that has led to the discovery of taste receptors that are outside of the mouth. These taste receptors are scattered throughout the entire body, with large concentrations on the testicles and anus. Sweet and Umami taste receptors are present in this area and can present a minor taste sensation (though nowhere near as well as our mouths can). Through a simple lab test on rats, scientists were able to disable the taste receptors to see if it would have any major impact on them. In attempting to breed rats that did not have functioning taste receptors on the testicles, scientists discovered that the sperm was rendered deformed and unable to fertilize, making the rats infertile. The drug that researchers used to block these taste receptors was the same kind of drugs that are used to treat high cholesterol in humans. This discovery can help scientists to discover ways to treat infertility in humans, as it may be as simple as damaged taste receptors (Styles).
Another consequence of this discovery is a newer way to possibly lead to a male birth control pill. The disabling of these taste receptors lasts considerably longer than regular birth control pills in females, and unlike a vasectomy, is much easier to reverse. Along with this possible attempt at male birth control, many other processes have been made recently, as currently available methods of pregnancy prevention for males do not have high actual success rates due to misuse.
An attempt by Dr. Nnaemeka Amobi and his team at producing a male contraceptive pill involves the idea of a hormone-free pill that can decrease or eliminate the emission of semen. The idea is to relax the muscles that propel semen so that...
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...ales, this being an evolutionary advantage to males who required more oxygen for their generally more muscular bodies. In comparison to modern males, ancient neanderthal males had much larger body masses relative to now, including a larger nose. Male nasal size tends to deviate from female size during puberty, as the entire body is growing.
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Styles, Ruth. “Testicles have taste buds that can detect sweet flavours - and they're
vital for fertility” Daily Mail UK. 20 July 2013. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.
Tarico, Valerie. “Better Birth Control for Men: 8 Promising Possibilities.” RH Reality
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Research on taste aversion in rats led to the discovery that suppression of the immune system can be influenced by:
Modern human brain sizes are significantly smaller than Neanderthal’s and so are their brain cavities. TAS2R38 is the gene that controls taste. For Neanderthals, having a bitter taste “system” could have kept them from poisoning themselves by accident.
Paradox Of The Pill. (Cover Story)." Time 175.17 (2010): 40-47. Military & Government Collection. Web. 9 Apr. 2014.
... the past and is effective in approximately 25-35% of patients with erectile dysfunction (Murdock, 2002).
Sildenafil is a pharmaceutical breakthrough not only because it is the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction available, but also because it is "the first in a new class of medications" (FDA, par. 3). But to understand how this drug works, it is necessary to explain the physiology of erection in the normally functioning male. Under normal circumstances, sexual excitement results in the release of nitric oxide. Next, the nitric oxide will activate guanylate cyclase, ...
"Washington Watch: Advocates Seek Support for 'Real' Sex Education." Contraceptive Technology Update 1 June 2009. Academic OneFile. Web. 4 Apr. 2012.
Trussell, J., Stewart, F., Potts, M., Guest, F., & Ellertson, C. (1993). Should Oral Contraceptives
Most of their evidence comes from the fossilized bones of Neanderthals and Cro- Magnons, or modern man’s ancestors (Shreeve, 150). There is a definite difference between their bone structures, and it may be a significant enough difference to divide them into species. There is a set of traits that distinguishes Neanderthals. Their general proportions are short, robust, and strong. Males and females of all ages have thick bones, and very pronounced muscle and ligament attachment sites. They also have distinct facial and cranial features. They have a large skull with no chin, a significant brow-ridge, and a large nasal opening (Shreeve, 49-150). They have large brains, around 1400cc, that protrude in the back, causing an occipital bun in the skull (Lecture, 4/19). Cro-Magnons on the other hand look more like humans do today. They are more slender and not as muscular, with chins and rounder skulls with slightly smaller brains among other traits.
However, many of our questions still remain. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the physical aspect of gender differences in humans, otherwise known as sexual dimorphism, it’s evolutionary history in our species, and some behavioral and societal trends that are associated with it. To accomplish this, I will begin by outlining the anatomical structures that are commonly used in measuring sexual dimorphism in our species. After establishing these criteria, I will expand upon the evolutionary history of sexual dimorphism in humans beginning with the anthropoids in the Oligocene and ending with present day trends.
Sharpe, Richard M. and Niels Skakkebaek. 1993. Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproductive tract? Lancet
How does the pill work? It prevents ovulation or fertilization by changing tubal way of sperm and ova. It also...
Contrary to what most believe to be true, infertility is caused by as many men as by women. In fact, about 40% of cases are att...
Homo erectus is also known for its larger body compared to earlier ancestors. "Past estimates of Homo erectus stature frequently were in the 5-5 1/2 feet (152-168 cm) range for adult males and arou...
...ed clinical trials: part 1-the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for male sexual dysfunction. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(12), 3089-3107. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02970.x
Swerdloff RS, Wang C. The testis and male sexual function. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011: chap 242.