Since the movement of sperm as we know it, first observed through a microscope by the Dutch scientist Leeuwenhoek 300 years ago, it has been known to move forward using the propulsion gained by wagging its tail from side to side.
However, recently researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK and the National Autonomous University of Mexico
Using cutting-edge equipment such as cameras with over 50,000 frames per second,
In the process of observing the three-dimensional movement of sperm, the actual method of movement was revealed.
View from the front,
Instead of moving by shaking its tail left and right, it appears to be spinning round and round.
The tail does not swing left or right as originally thought, but only swings in one direction.
With a tail that only swings to one side, it has no choice but to hover unstably in place.
The head rotates exquisitely according to the timing of the shaking, controlling the posture and moving forward.
When viewed in 3D, it appears to be rotating, but when observed through a microscope, it appears to be moving in 2D, with its tail wagging left and right.
