“Men of higher intelligence tend to produce better quality sperm, UK research suggests. A team from the Institute of Psychiatry analysed data from former US soldiers who served during the Vietnam war era. They found that those who performed better on intelligence tests tended to have more — and more mobile — sperm. The study, which appears in the journal Intelligence, appears to support the idea that genes underlying intelligence may have other biological effects too… if tiny mutations impair intelligence, they might also harm other characteristics, such as sperm quality. Conversely, people with robust genes might be blessed with a biological ‘fitness factor’ making them fit, healthy and smart. Previously, scientists tended to assume that lifestyle factors were more likely to underlie any relationship between intelligence and health. For instance, brighter people may be less likely to smoke, and more likely to take exercise, both of which are known to impact on mental performance.” — BBC (UK)

(Thanks to “Chris Finch” for the link.)

The authors of this study were quick to point out that their finding does not indicate that less intelligent men necessarily have poor sperm quality. Instead they found a “small, but statistically significant link” between intelligence and sperm quality. It has a vaguely eugenic air — have you ever, in a frustrated moment, wished to bring genocide on the heads of idiots? Well, physiologically, they’re already doing it to themselves. Scientifically, though, it all makes perfect sense. Evolution weeds out the weak, and intelligence is a strength.

It would be really fascinating to test the semen of sexual deviants as well. Is there any correlation between sperm quality and a tendency to perversion? Maybe it would turn out that, statistically, perverts have inferior sperm and therefore lust after things — feet, animals, cadavers — where, pregnancy being impossible, sperm quality is irrelevant. Or maybe it would be the exact opposite. Maybe perverted men would have wonderful, powerful sperm. Because of this, their reproductive prospects would be so generally good that these guys could afford to blow a few wads on, say, dead deer.

Any graduate students out there? Bored lab techs working at sperm clinics? Hardcore pervs who have happened to have their semen analyzed (a common procedure when a couple is having difficulty conceiving)?

VideoBox

It's like the iTunes Music Store for Porn. Download unlimited high-quality video for only $9.95/month.