https://phys.org/news/2018-07-small-rna-sperm-fertilization.html

"The study of paternal contributions to development, including environmental contributions to the health of sperm, is a burgeoning field of research," said Dr. Rando, professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology at UMMS. "In addition, because of the rise in the use of assisted reproduction, it's also vital to look at the differences between sperm removed directly from the testicles and ejaculated sperm, to investigate whether these differences may have an impact on the long-term health of the offspring."

Both studies looked at small RNAs to determine how these molecules contribute to epigenetic changes in sperm in mice.