Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Assessing Differences in Sperm Competitive Ability in Drosophila
Published on: August 22, 2013
Pilot and astronaut offspring: possible G-force effects on human sex ratio
Abstract:
Ratio of male to female offspring in tactical pilots and astronauts who experienced G forces was compared to that of pilots and non-rated officers who were not exposed to such conditions. In the analysis presented here we found 62 pilots and astronauts exposed to higher G forces had a significantly lower ratio of males to females in their offspring (.40) than did 220 pilots and non-pilots who were not exposed to high G forces. Other studies have also reported a decreased sex ratio in offspring of men exposed to high G forces. Reduction in number of males produced by fathers routinely exposed to comparatively high-G stresses may be related to G-force effects on sperm. This study suggests high-G exposure may affect the reproduction process.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
X and Y Chromosomes
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - II
A rocket's acceleration depends on three major factors, consistent with the equation for the...
Acceleration due to Gravity on Other Planets
Astronomical observations are thus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity on other planets. This can be determined by observing the effect of a planet's gravity on objects close to it. The crucial factor that helps in this...

