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WNYC's Radiolab

Sperm

Sperm carry half the genes needed for human life. In this hour of Radiolab, some basic questions and profound thoughts about reproduction.

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KCRW placeholderBy Jad Abumrad • Mar 13, 2011 • 1 min read

Sperm carry half the genes needed for human life. In this hour, some basic questions and profound thoughts about reproduction. To begin: why so many sperm? We turn to the animal kingdom for answers, which lands us on a tour of sperm battles in ducks, flying pig sperm, and promiscuous whippoorwills. Next, we ponder fatherhood, and wonder...in a world where sperm can be frozen and kept for all eternity...what the future holds for men. We end quietly, in a stark sonic space with a widow struggling to keep some essence of her husband alive.

Learn more or listen again to this week's episode.

Image: Matt Buchanan

  • KCRW placeholder

    Jad Abumrad

    creator of "Radiolab," and host of the new podcast “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man”

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    Robert Krulwich

    host of 'Radio Lab'

    Culture
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