A research team from Syracuse University and Cornell University have been studying the life history of fruit fly sperm to better understand molecular continuity between male and female reproductive tracts. In other words, how the male and female reproductive tracts provide support to keep the sperm viable before fertilization. 

In species with internal fertilization, such as humans, the ability for a female to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term is dependent upon effective interactions between sperm and the female reproductive tract (FRT). When those interactions are defective, the result can be a failed pregnancy. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to sperm viability between copulation and fertilization is crucial. 

The results they gained from their research into fruit fly sperm history have shed light on important events that may play a role in infertility that up until now have been poorly understood.

Click the link to read more about the teams' novel research into the role male and female reproductive tracts provide to keep the sperm viable.