Umm… well I guess it kind of makes sense, but to read it sounds kind of weird I have to admit.  Ever heard the cliche that older women and men risk having retarded or disabled children, or otherwise, “defective” in one way or another? 

Well, it appears that studies are proving this theory, somewhat at least, in the sperm department. We have to assume the same applies for an older female’s eggs. 

Actually, the conclusion that older women’s eggs may be more likely to pass on genetic frailties to their children has been proven in theory and lab so far, but there had yet to be studies showing that older men’s sperm also was a culprit in passing on genetic defects at a higher rate than that of a healthy young man’s sperm. 

As a counterpoint, the studies ended up being somewhat skewed, since certain defects which ranged from physical to psychological showed a correlation between the older sperm and the genetic weakness, and other diseases and genetically passed deformities or psychological illnesses showed absolutely no correlation to the older sperm.

Studies are of course ongoing, as the findings may open some exciting new doors in the genetics and medical field, including new findings on diseases such as schizophrenia. 

The more scientists understand the origins of a disease, the better they can understand how to treat it, so this is some more promising news in the interesting world of gene research.